| Virginia State (7-11) vs. Virginia Union (15-6) |
| Date |
February 5, 2022 |
| Time |
4:00 p.m. |
| Live Stream |
Live Stream |
| Location |
Richmond, VA (Barco-Stevens Hall) |
| Social Media |
@VSUsports | @vsutrojans_1882 |
The VSU men's basketball team prepares for the second installment of the VSU-VUU rivalry game of the season as the Trojans return to play after a, 64-62, heartbreaking loss to ECSU in double overtime. The Panthers currently have the best conference record in the Northern division of the CIAA as they are 8-3 on the season as VSU occupies last place at 4-7. Coach Lonnie Blow's squad currently ranks second in the conference in three-pointers made per game (6.7), second in assists per game (14.11) and second in assist/turnover ratio (1.02).
Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald is one of the CIAA's most skilled scorer's as 18.3 points per contest ranks him third in the conference. Fitzgerald also ranks sixth in field goal percentage (48%), seventh in free throw percentage (76.6%) and sixth in made three-pointers per game (2.3). The Junior guard also crept his way into the eighth spot in blocks with 15.
Terrence Hunter-Whitfield is recognized as one of the greatest second options a team could offer scoring 14 points per game in the season. Hunter-Whitfield is also deadly from the foul line knocking down 76.9% of his free throws, which ranks him fifth in the conference. He also gets it done on the boards as well averaging 7.4 rebounds per game ranking him seventh in the conference. In the first two games of the New Year, Hunter Whitfield scored a total of 59 points.
Michael Melvin is currently the conference leader in assists (72) and assist/turnover ratio(1.8).
Last Time Out
- Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald recorded his first double-double in the season as he posted 16 points with 11 rebounds along with three blocks and two steals.
- D'Angelo Lake posted 13 points and six rebounds in his Trojan debut while shooting 5-of-10 from the field.
- The Trojans forced 17 turnovers and scored 14 points off the turnovers.
Scouting the Panthers
The Panthers are fresh off the largest margin of victory the conference has seen this season after beating JCSU, 85-28. The Panthers look to stay undefeated at home this season with their 7-0 record inside of Barco-Stevens Hall. Offensively, the Panthers are red-hot scoring 73.8 points per game. VUU does a phenomenal job taking high percentage shots as a 47.7% field goal percentage and a 35% three-point percentage ranks them second in the conference. The squad also ranks first in assists with a whopping 340 and first in assist/turnover ratio (1.02). Coach Butler's men also take pride in their defense as they have only allowed 63.3 points per contest. While the Panthers lead the conference in opponent's field goal percentage (39.2) the squad is also tied for first in forced turnovers (328) and second in steals (163). Among an abundance of talent, the team is led by Robert Osborn who averages 12 points per game without attempting a single three-pointer. Osborn sinks 57% of his shots from the field, which ranks him second in the conference while ranking fourth in field goals with 104 on the season. Raemaad Wright proves to be a menace on the glass as he is tied for first in the conference in rebounds with 163. Wright also uses 6'7 frame to affect shots as he ranks third in the conference with 33 blocks.
Series History
The Trojans are currently losing the series 10-15 as they have now lost their last four matchups against the Panthers. The Panthers soundly defeated the Trojans earlier this year, 88-70. While the Trojans forced 17 turnovers, the Panther were able to pull away late to take the victory.
A Win Would…
- Give the Panthers their first blemish on their 10-0 home record
- Avoid falling to 0-3 in their last three games
- Give the Trojans their first win in the month of February
