ETTRICK, Virginia -- The Virginia State University men's basketball team outlast Lincoln University, 66- 62, in overtime on Saturday, February 20 clinching the CIAA Northern Division Champion Title. A crowd of 4,976 Trojans, military members, faculty, family, and friends gathered to commemorate Senior Night and the Trojans debut in the Virginia State University Multipurpose Center.
With the win the Trojans conclude the 2015-16 regular season 20-5 overall, 14 -2 in the CIAA.
The Trojans were offensively led by junior forward Elijah Moore (Yorktown, VA) who recorded 12 points. Freshman forward Joseph Bradshaw (Silver Springs, MD) led the Trojans defensive effort recording 7 rebounds.
In the first half the Trojans shot 38.2 percent (13-34) from the field, 11.1 percent (1-9) from behind the arc, and 70 percent (7-10) at the line.
The Lions went on a 7-0 run to begin the game. LU took their largest lead of the game with 13:58 remaining in the first half up by 16 points.
A shot from behind the arc by sophomore Waymond Wright (Raleigh, NC) at the 12:43 mark began a series of scoring for the Trojans. With 7 minutes remaining in the first half junior guard Kevin Williams (Franklinton, NC) linked up with Moore to close the scoring gap and bring the Trojans within 2 points.
With 5:33 remaining in the first half, a quick layup by Williams was the first of nine game ties, knotting the Trojans and Lions at 24- all. A free throw by freshman guard Cyonte Melvin (Hampton, VA) gave the Trojans their first lead of the contest with 5:09 left in the opening half, but the Lions didn't let up and carried a 35-34 lead into the half.
Moore got to the rim to score the first points of the second half, giving the Trojans a 36-35 lead.
Both teams battled back and forth through a series of ties and lead changes as the second half progressed.
With 1:04 left in the game VSU found themselves trailing LU 52-57. Layups by Williams and Moore brought the Trojans within 1 point. After sending the Lions to the line, VSU trailed by 2 points. With 1.3 seconds remaining in the game, Moore hit the 1st free throw and intentionally misses the second. Junior forward Melvin Gregory (Weems, VA) secures the rebound and puts the shot back up to send the game into overtime.
Down 62-61 in overtime, the Trojans lay on the defensive pressure and force a LU turnover. A basket by Moore at the other end gave the Trojans a 63-62 lead. The crowd erupted and the Trojans would maintain possession of the lead for the duration of the game for the 66-62 win.
VSU ended the night shooting 41.9 percent (26-62) from the field, 16.7 percent (3-18) from behind the arc, and 45.8 percent (11-24) at the line.
The Trojans will depart for Charlotte, NC tomorrow to prepare for the CIAA Tournament. The Tournament will be held February 22-27. VSU men's basketball will play their first contest of the tournament on Thursday, February 25.
The Virginia State Department of Athletics annual 1,000 cans, 1 goal campaign initiative is underway. The canned food items collected will be donated to the local food banks. The Department encourages all fans, alumni, faculty and friends to bring a canned food item to all of the home games this season.
For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.
Box Score
COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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