Ettrick, VA (2/3/2024)-The Virginia State (11-11, 6-6) men's basketball team went head-to-head against Elizabeth City State University (7-15, 4-7) where they were able to gain control and come out with an 84-77 victory.

The Trojans struck first with a pair of free throws from Anthony Crosby. Virginia Sate hit three of their first four shot attempts giving them an early 11-7 lead. The Vikings and Trojans traded baskets. A block and layup on the other end by Imhotep Goerge gave the Trojans a two-point lead but only for a short time ECSU's Michael Eads Jr. ties the score at 18 on a rim rocking dunk. The story early in the 1st half is one team scores and the other one answers. Dajour Tucker had a strong offensive game early his free throw gave the Trojans a one-point lead as he tallied eight points in the quarter. An and-1 by Xavier Tubbs-Matthews gives the Vikings a three-point lead. Back and forth we go, and the score is tied again at 29 after a soft floater from George finds the bottom of basket. ECSU gained some momentum pushing the lead to seven, but the Trojans came back with a three-point basket by George making it just a four-point game. An over the back call gives Crosby a chance to bring the Trojans within three but he misses and that is how the first half ends.

Crosby completes the and-1 that cut the lead to just one at the start 2nd half. Another and-1 by Tyrek Williams gave the Trojans a two-point lead. The Trojans took advantage of ECSU's Reggie Raynor's missed free throw by going on a 6-0 run right after. A made three-pointer has the game knotted up again at 48. Back-to-back scores by Jared Clawson put the Trojans up by seven and forced the Vikings into a timeout. The Trojans responded with a strong defensive stand and a three on the other side to give them a 10-point lead. The Vikings went on a seven-point run making the score 62-57. But Clawson hit a timely three to put the Trojans back up by eight. The Vikings were in foul trouble with four minutes left in the game and the Trojans would get free throws the rest of the way. A made three-pointer by Eads cut the Trojan's lead to just three with 3:41 left to play. Of course, the Vikings won't go down without a fight a goaltending call on Jonathan Norfleet makes it just a one possession game. Norfleet makes a layup pushing the lead to five with a minute left in regulation. A strong showing from the free throw line would help the Trojans gain an edge and close out the game.

Dajour Rucker and Imhotep George led the Trojans in scoring with 15 apiece. Guard Chris Hampton led the Trojans in steals and rebounds. He grabbed 10 boards and two steals. The Virginia State men's basketball team's next game is against Cheyney University of Pennsylvania on Wednesday at 7:30pm.