BLUEFIELD, W.Va. --The Virginia State men's basketball team out-rebounded the Bluefield State Big Blues 39-31 on the way to a 65-48 victory on the road Wednesday.

The Trojans (16-9, 9-4) had three players score in double figures, led by Jacob Cooper, who had 18 points, four assists and two steals. William Hopkins tacked on 14 points and Tim Uzochuwku chipped in as well with 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

Led by Uzochuwku's three offensive rebounds, Virginia State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 10 boards that resulted in 15 second chance points.

Virginia State's defense held Bluefield State to only 28.8 percent shooting from the field. The Trojans also limited Ellija Preddy to 3-of-13 shooting and seven points in the game. The Big Blues did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with nine offensive rebounds and managed four second chance points while Virginia State cleared 29 defensive rebounds.

How It Happened

After jumping out to a 26-22 advantage, Virginia State went on an 8-0 run with 6:38 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Cooper, to increase its lead to 34-22, a score that would hold until halftime. Virginia State did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 20 of its 34 points close to the basket.

Virginia State kept its lead intact before going on a 10-0 run, finished off by Hopkins' three, to grow the lead to 59-38 with 4:41 to go in the contest. The Big Blues narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Trojans still cruised the rest of the way for the 65-48 win. Virginia State took care of business in the paint, recording 20 of its 31 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» The Trojans held the Big Blues to only 28.8 percent shooting from the field.
» Virginia State never trailed on the way to a 65-48 victory.
» Virginia State had a 39-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» Virginia State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
» Jacob Cooper led the Trojans with 18 points.
» Virginia State got a team-high seven rebounds from Tim Uzochuwku.

This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.