Ettrick, VA (1/13/2024)- The Virginia State men's basketball team faced off against Claflin for the second time this season where they fell in an overtime thriller 75-82.

Opening the game Tyreek Williams makes a layup for the Trojans tying the game 2-2. Claflin goes on a 5-3 run to make the score 12 -7 after Claflin's Zion Obanla scores his 10th point on a 3-pointer forcing VSU into their first timeout. The Trojans answered with a 7-0 run as Jonathan Norfleet made a layup through contact and Imhotep George goes to the line tying the game at 18. . Imhotep maked a contest 3 and finishes with an and-1. Claflin goes on a 7-point run making it a 29-21 game with 6:06 left in the first. Claflin's Bryson Dennis made a 3pointer to put them up 32-31. The Trojans finished the first half strong going on a 10-point run to close making the score 28-34.

Claflin strikes first starting the 2nd half on a 4-0 run making it a 28-38 game. Dennis makes a 3-pointer pushing their lead to 45 forcing the Trojans into their first timeout of the 2nd half. With some strong defense and big minutes off the bench from Dajour Rucker, the Trojans cut the lead to 8 with 13:28 left in the game. A pair of free throws from Claflin's John Whitehead III makes it a 51-41 game. Norfleet makes two free throws and it's a 51-55 game. The trojans ramped up the defense and a timely steal from Izeah Parker cut Claflin's lead to just 2 points with 7:17 to go. Chris Hill tied at 59-59 the game with a jumper. Norfleet answers Claflin's Jalen Williams jumper with one of his own tying the game again 61-61. Kendall Bynum goes to the line down one and ties it at 64 apiece. The Trojans took their first lead 66-64 with a made jumper from Chris Hampton. Norfleet give the trojans lead some cushion with two made free throws the trojans lead now 68-64. Claflin's Whitehead III knocks down a clutch 3 to make it a one-point game. Norfleet iced two free throws to make the lead 70-67. Claflin's Williams misses his second free throw with the chance to bring the game within a point. The Trojans secure the rebound and get fouled George misses his first free throw and nails the second making it a 71-68 game. Bryson Dennis scores the game tying basket as Claflin forces overtime.

In the overtime period Claflin's Bryson Dennis nails a jumper to give them the lead 73-71. A putback from Bryson Dennis gives Claflin a 5-point lead. Dennis' team high 32 points is too much for the Trojans to overcome. Rucker, Bynum, and Norfleet all scored in double figures for the Trojans. With the loss the team dropped to 8-9 on the season and 3-4 in conference play. The Trojans next visit Virginia Union University on Saturday January 20th at 4 p.m. for an away game.