| Virginia State (9-14) at Lincoln (Pa.) (17-9) |
| Date |
Saturday, February 19, 2022 |
| Time |
4:00 p.m. |
| Live Stream |
Live Stream |
| Location |
Lincoln, PA (Manuel Rivero gym) |
| Social Media |
@VSUsports | @vsutrojans_1882 |
The VSU men's basketball team prepares for their final game of the 2021-2022 season as they earned a much needed win against BSU, 78-61. VSU enter the matchup hot winning two of their last three games as they prepare to take down Lincoln (Pa.). The win moves their conference record up to 6-9. Coach Lonnie Blow's squad currently ranks fourth in points per game (71.8), fourth in three-point percentage (33.5%), first in the conference in three-pointers made per game (7.0), third in offensive rebounds per game (12.2), second in assists per game (14.00) and second in assist/turnover ratio (0.93).
Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald is one of the CIAA's most skilled scorer's as 17.1 points per contest ranks him third in the conference. Fitzgerald also ranks seventh in field goal percentage (44.9%), second in free throw percentage (80.3%) and seventh in made three-pointers (42).
Terrence Hunter-Whitfield is recognized as one of the greatest second options a team could offer scoring 14.6 points per game, which ranks him sixth in the conference. In the first two games of the New Year, Hunter Whitfield scored a total of 59 points. He is also deadly from the foul line knocking down 75.2% of his free throws, which ranks him fifth in the conference. He also gets it done on the glass as well averaging 7.3 rebounds per game, which also ranks him sixth in the conference.
Michael Melvin is currently the conference leader in assists per contest (5.5) and assist/turnover ratio (1.9).
Last Time Out
- Hunter-Whitfield went 6-of-10 from the field while ripping down a game-high down eight rebounds while also gaining a steal and a block.
- Fitzgerald also accounted for five rebounds, five assists and two steals with a block.
- Melvin accounted for seven assists and six rebounds.
- Mackey, Jr. grabbed four boards in the contest.
- The Trojans outrebounded the 31-27 and scored 17 points off turnovers.
Scouting the Lions
Lincoln (Pa.) enters play fresh off a win against Shaw, 96-90 Wednesday night. The Lions have been on a tear as of late, winning three of their last four games. The Lions are known to light up the scoreboard as they lead the conference with 1,934 points in the season with a +4.5 scoring margin. The team has cooled down since our last meeting, hitting 43.8% of their shots from the field and 32.5% from downtown. The squad also shares the basketball very well as 325 assists ranks them second in the conference while 382 offensive rebounds ranks them first. Defensively, the Lions rank in the middle of the pack giving up 69.9 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 currently leads the conference with 19.0 points per contest. Blue ranks fifth in the conference in field goal percentage shooting 48.9%. Blue uses his 200-pound frame to box out and get rebounds as 193 rebounds on the season ranks him second in the conference. He also has active hands on the defensive end as 37 steals ranks him fourth while 72 assists ranks him sixth. Alex Nunnally ranks eighth in the conference in rebounds per game with 6.7. Reggie Hudson contributes to the team by creating for his teammates as 85 assists ties him at third in the conference while a 1.8 assist/turnover ratio ranks him second as well. Hudson also gets his hands in passing lanes on defense with 38 steals, which ranks him second in the conference. Jordan Camper averages 1.1 blocks per contest, which ranks him fifth.
Series History
The Trojans are currently winning the series 17-5 and have won the past 12 of 13 matchups between the two. Despite Lincoln's stellar play so far this season, the Trojans are extremely confident with their 8-3 away record against the Lions. The last matchup between the two saw the Lions pull away late, 65-56, as VSU shot an abysmal 1-of-21 from down town.
A Win Would…
- Allow the Trojans to stay hot against the Lions
- Allow VSU to earn their third win in the last four games
- Give the Trojans their last win of the 2021-2022 season
