ETTRICK, VA – The Virginia State University Men's basketball team is still seeking their first win in the month of December as the Trojans dropped the second matchup against the Broncos 69-65. VSU has dropped their last six games as they lost two of the three games this month by two possessions or less.
Terrence Hunter-Whitfield led his team with 19 points while going 3-of-5 from downtown along with seven rebounds and two steals.
Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald scored 18 points shooting 7-of-13 from the field along with six rebounds.
Jordan Hernandez grabbed a personal best seven rebounds with 10 points and a steal. After missing the last few games
Michael Melvin made his presence felt as he neared a triple-double with nine points, seven boards and eight dimes in his return. The Trojans drew 21 fouls and shot 23 free throws on the evening. VSU was able to grab 16 offensive boards that led to the 11 second chance points. The Trojans did damage on the inside scoring 26 points in the painted area.
How It Happened
- Through the first five minutes, the Trojans controlled of the game going on a 7-0 run to bring the score to 10-5 with 16:54 left in the first half.
- The Broncos would then score 10 unanswered points to combat the early Trojan run. FSU took the lead 18-12 with 11:19 left in the half.
- Moving into the final minute of the second half, The Trojans were able to cut the lead to four 33-29 with 1:27 left in the first half.
- FSU would take minimal breathing room into the half with the score at 36-32.
- Terrence Hunter-Whitfield led the game with 10 points in the first half behind 3-of-4 shooting along with three rebounds.Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald hit 4-of-6 of his shots from the field, which gave him nine first half points while Michael Melvin had five points with five rebounds and six assists in the first half. The Trojans went 45% from the field in the first half while knocking down 4-of-10 of their three's. VSU did a solid job crashing the boards in the first half outrebounding the Broncos 19-16.
- The Trojans would make a push for the lead early in the second half, as the squad was able to tie the game at 38.
- Cress Worthy was unreal shooting from beyond the arc as he helped the visiting team stretch their lead to 10 points at 57-47 with 7:02 left in the game.
- With 1:12 in the game, the Trojans cut the lead to five at 62-57.
- FSU would go onto make their free throws down the stretch to produce the score of 69-65
Inside the Box Score
- The Trojans had three different players end with seven rebounds.
- Virginia State forced 11 turnovers in the contest.
- VSU grabbed 16 offensive boards and turned them into 11 second chance points on the glass.
Virginia State will be right back in the VSU Multipurpose center for the last home game of 2021 against the Panthers of Claflin University in a doubleheader Monday, December 20. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m.
