| Virginia State (7-9) vs. Lincoln (Pa.) (13-6) |
| Date |
Saturday, January 29, 2022 |
| Time |
6:00 p.m. |
| Live Stream |
Live Stream |
| Location |
Ettrick, VA (VSU Multipurpose center) |
| Social Media |
@VSUsports | @vsutrojans_1882 |
As the VSU men's basketball team gains depth with players returning from injuries, the squad continues to heat up after beating Bowie State, 70-67. The Trojans leading scorer,
Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald came back with a bang as the Junior Guard scored 21 points in his first game back on the court after missing time. Coach Lonnie Blow's squad currently ranks third in the conference in points per contest (74), third in three-point percentage (35%), second in assists per game (14.38), first in assist/turnover ratio (1.04), fourth in field goal percentage (45%) and tied for first in three-pointers made per game (7.3).
Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald is one of the CIAA's most skilled scorer's as 18.4 points per contest ranks him third in the conference. Fitzgerald also ranks sixth in field goal percentage (49%), ninth in free throw percentage (74%), third in three-point percentage (39%) and third in made three-pointers per game (2.5).
Terrence Hunter-Whitfield is recognized as one of the greatest second options a team could offer as 14 points per game ranks him 10
th in the conference. Hunter-Whitfield is also deadly from the foul line knocking down 75% of his free throws which ranks him seventh in the conference. In the first two games of the New Year, Hunter Whitfield scored a total of 59 points.
Last Time Out
- After missing two games,Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald lit A.C. Jordan Arena on fire hitting 5-of-10 three-pointers, which allowed him the finish with 21 points while bringing down five rebounds.
- Antwan Miles looked to be back to himself scoring a season-high 21 points along with his counterpart Fitzgerald. Miles was deadly accurate from the field knocking down 8-of-12 of his shots from the field.
- Michael Melvin stuffed his stat sheet with six points, four rebounds and five assists.
- The Trojans had eight different player score a bucket in the contest.
Scouting Lions
Lincoln (Pa.) (Overall, 13-6, CIAA, 6-2) enters play fresh off a win against Shaw, 68-58 Wednesday night. That being said, the Lions have been slightly shaky as of late, losing two of their last four games. The Lions are known to light up the scoreboard as they lead the conference with 1,437 points in the season with a +5.4 scoring margin. The team shoots very efficiently sinking 45% of their shots from the field and 34% from downtown, which ranks them third in both categories. The squad also shares the basketball very well as 238 assists ranks them second in the conference while 285 offensive rebounds ranks them first. Defensively, the Lions rank in the middle of the pack giving up 70 points per contest. On the flip side, LU averages 6.5 steals and three blocks per game. The Lions have a host of players at the top of the conference statistically starting with Zahrion Blue who is currently second in the conference with 19.2 points per contest. Blue ranks fifth in the conference in field goal percentage shooting 51%. Blue uses his 200-pound frame to box out and get rebounds as 140 rebounds on the season ranks him third. He also has active hands on the defensive end as 27 steals ranks him fourth while 55 assists ranks him third. Alex Nunnally ranks fifth in the conference in rebounds per game with 7.6. Bakir Cleveland is second in the conference in free throw percentage hitting 80% of his shots from the foul line. Reggie Hudson contributes to the team by creating for his teammates as 57 assists ties him at second in the conference while a 1.6 assist/turnover ratio ranks him second as well. Hudson also gets his hands in passing lanes on defense with 29 steals. Jordan Camper averages 1.2 blocks per contest, which ranks him fourth.
Series History
The Trojans are currently winning the series 17-4 and have won the past 12 matchups between the two. Despite Lincoln's stellar play so far this season, the Trojans are extremely confident with their 9-1 home record against the Lions. The last matchup between the two saw the Trojans take the win, 82-73, as VSU outrebounded LU 46-31 in the contest.
A Win Would…
- Extend the series win-streak to 13 games
- Extend the seasons win streak to three games
- Improve their home record to .500 at 4-4
- Improve their conference record to .500 at 5-5
