ETTRICK, V.A. – Virginia State men's basketball wrapped up preseason play with a win over Thomas Nelson Community College 75-61 Sunday afternoon. VSU was able to get to the charity stripe at will winning the free throw battle 21-12.
Francis Fitzgerald and
Dajour Ruckers tied for the game-high 12 points as the two played the most minutes of anyone on the VSU roster. Fitzgerald added six rebounds and two assists while the Rucker accounted for five rebounds and three assists with a steal as he shot 71% from the field.
Jordan Hernandez nearly recorded the season's first double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds.
Antwan Miles dropped a game-high four dimes in the afternoon match up.
Free throws assisted VSU in upholding the lead as VSU attempted 31 while the Gators shot 19. The Trojans outrebounded TNCC 48-33 while also accounting for 12 second chance points. The home team held Thomas Nelson to a 30% shooting percentage in the first half along with only six free throw attempts. The Trojans dominated the paint as 48 of the squads 75 total points came in the painted area.
How It Happened
- The Trojans got out to a quick start scoring the first 8 of 10 points in the game.
- Halfway through the first, the Gators cut it to within two by way of a 6-0 run. Fitzgerald would quickly hit a three-pointer to extend the lead back to five at 18-13 with 11:08 left in the first half.
- An 8-0 VSU run would push the lead out to 28-19.
- Heading into the break, Rucker (9) and Fitzgerald (8) combined for 17 points. Jordan Hernandez came away with two blocks along with five rebounds and six points as well.
- The Trojans shot at a 50% clip from the field at the half.
- To open the second half, the Trojans extended their lead out to 48-35 thanks to efficient shooting from the group.
- Virginia State outscored the Gators 37-29 in the second half as Jordan Hernandez scored five points along with three rebounds and two assists.
- Darryl Mackey, Francis Fitzgerald and Tyler Young all had four a piece in the second half.
Inside the Box Score
- The Trojans had three individuals in double figures.
- The Trojans took an abundance of high percentage shots with nearly a 50% shooting percentage in the game.
- VSU's three-point defense held the Rams to 27% in the afternoon matchup.
- VSU forced 11 TMCC turnovers and 15 fouls in the second half.
- VSU held a 38-32 lead at the intermission with the Gators shooting 30%.
Up Next
VSU will open their home 2021-2022 regular season Friday, November 12 against the Mounties of Mansfield University inside of the VSU Multipurpose center. Tipoff against MU is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. November 7 inside of the VSU Multipurpose center.
