ETTRICK, VA – The Virginia State Men's Basketball looks to get back to their winning ways as they host Bluefield State in a midweek matchup on Tuesday, November 22 at 6:00 p.m.
Series History
The Trojans are 2-0 against the Big Blue after taking them down 86-55 in the 2017-2018 men's basketball season.
Self Scout
The Trojans are 2-1 in the season boasting a 2-0 record at home. They will look to get back on track after coming off a 85-78 loss to West Chester on the road. Virginia State averages 75 points per game and shoots 49% from the field averages 32 rebounds per contest. The Trojans shoot just 66% from the free throw line while averaging 19 free throw attempts per game. VSU forces opponents to shoot just 43% from the field while allowing 73 points per game. The squad forces 20 turnovers per game which leads to eight steals per contest. The squad averages four blocks per contest. The Trojans have four players who average double figures to start the season. Terrence Hunter-Whitefield leads the team with 15 points per game while shooting 89% percent from the free throw line. He also leads with nine steals as well. Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald has shown his versatility early leading the team with 4.7 rebounds along with 13 assists in just three games. Last time out he scored 15 points with five rebounds and three assists in the loss against WCU. The standout newcomer
Zach Newkirk has been shooting 52% from the field averaging 13 points per game and leads the team in assists with 14.
Tremere Brown has been a key component off the bench averaging 13 points per game along with 11 rebounds in the season.
Scouting the Big Blue
Desperate for win, Bluefield State is 0-3 on the season. The Big Blue allow opponents to score a whopping 95 points per game while allowing a 50% field goal percentage. They are -14 in the rebounding margin but forced 16 turnovers per contest which leads to 16 points off turnovers. They shoot 77% from the free throw line on 17 free throws per contest. They do a great job protecting the rim as they average seven blocks per contest. They struggle to shoot from the field maintaining a 38% field goal percentage. Guard Malik Tidwell currently averages 22 points per game. He shoots 50% from three-point range and leads the team in free throws attempted (18) and free throws made (17). He leads the team with five steals this season and leads with 32 minutes per contest. He started the season with a 27-point performance against Emory & Henry along with four rebounds.
