ETTRICK, VA – In a game that saw seven ties and eight lead changes, the Virginia State Men's Basketball team was able to take down the Lions of Lincoln (Pa.) for the first time since 2020, 61-58. Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald cashed a corner three-pointer that left :3 on the clock before Stephon Roberts stole on inbound pass to give his team the win.
 
First Half
The Trojans got off to one of their hottest starts this season after opening the contest with a 9-0 run forcing three turnovers. The Lions would successfully cut the lead down to 11-8 with 14:29 left to go in the first half. The Lions would then mount a 12-2 run which led to a 21-20 lead for Lincoln (Pa.) with 8:05. The Lions were able to push their lead to as much as seven points before the Trojans were able to walk that lead down to just one at 33-32 in favor of the Lions at the half.

Second Half
After a back-and-forth start to the half, the score was knotted at 37 following a three-pointer from Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald in transition. The second half would see ties at 41, 45, and 48 with under nine minutes left in the contest. Despite the Lions taking a six-point lead, the Trojans were able to tie the game at 56 thanks to back-to-back buckets from Zach Newkirk. With under a minute left, the Lions went up by two until Zach Newkirk tied the game with a clutch layup with :45 left in the matchup. After the Trojans forced a turnover, they took over at half court with :13 left. Terrence Hunter-Whitfield was able to find Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald in the corner prior to Fitzgerald hitting the bottom of the net to take a 61-58 with just :3 left to go. Stephon Roberts was able to ice the game with a steal on the inbound to give the Trojans their third straight victory.


Team Statistics
The Trojans were able to outrebound the Lions 39-28 as 11 offensive rebounds led to 12 second chance points. The Trojans shot just 21-of-60 (35.0%%) from the field and 6-of-16 (37.5%%) from beyond the arc while the Lions were held to 24-of-60 (41%) from the field and 3-of-12 (25.0%) from beyond the arc. The Trojans scored 11 points in transition and ended with three players in double figures. The Trojans shot a season-high 13-of-16 (81.3%) from the free throw line while the Lions hit just 11-of-16 (68.8%).
 

Stat Leaders
Terrence Hunter-Whitfield led the game with 22 points and eight rebounds in the contest. He also led the team with four assists along with two steals. Hunter-Whitfield went a season-high 11-of-11 (100%) from the foul line. Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald dropped 16 points shooting 6-of-14 (42.8%) from the field and 4-of-6 (66.7%) from beyond the arc. This marks the ninth game this season Fitzgerald has hit three or more three-pointers and the third straight game he has hit four three-pointers. Fitzgerald also grabbed six rebounds, an assist and a block. He was also responsible for hitting the go-ahead three-pointer that ultimately won the Trojans the game. Zach Newkirk played extremely efficient and clutch in his own right posting 13 points shooting 5-of-10 (50%) from the field and 1-of-3 (33.3%) from beyond the arc. He also grabbed three rebounds, dished one assist along with a steal in the contest. Newkirk was also responsible for the game tying bucket with under a minute to go. Tremere Brown scored six points and grabbed seven boards with an assist in the contest. Dajour Rucker scored four points along with six rebounds. Robert Smith was able to grab six boards coming off the bench in the win.

Up Next
The Trojans will be right back in front of the home crowd for the 2023 Think Pink game against Shaw on Wednesday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. The Trojans will be seeking revenge against the Lions after losing to them on the road in January.