INDIANA, Pennsylvania – The Virginia State University men's basketball team opened the 2017-2018 season with 79-75 victory against the University of Pittsburg-Johnstown on Friday evening in the opening game of the IRMC / Hilton Garden Inn Classic hosted by Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Senior Richard Granberry (Chester, Pa.) secured his first double-double of the season, leading the Trojans with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Granberry shot 6-of-9 from the field. Junior Brandon Holley (Richmond, Va.) contributed 15 total points. Followed by Walter Williams (12), Waymond Wright (11) and Trey Brown (10) who all scored in double digits for Virginia State. Granberry was the game's leading rebounder with 10 recoveries. Senior Waymond Wright and junior Walter Williams dished out a game-high five assists each.
Virginia State held a 10-2 advantage after one quarter of action and pushed their lead to 16-4 at the five-minute media timeout of the second quarter.
Both teams shot well in the opening half, with Pitt-Johnstown making 15-of-28 from the floor (53.6 percent) and Virginia State securing 16-of-29 shots from the floor (55.2 percent) to take a 42-38 advantage at halftime.
The University of Pittsburg-Johnstown continued to rally in the second half to tie the game 63-63 with 6:32 left in the game. VSU continued to take things one play at a time as Trey Brown secured a three pointer to give VSU a 66-63 lead. Virginia State continued to extend their lead by adding five points to give the Trojans a 74-70 advantage with 3:03 left in the game. The Mountain Cats continued to make plays tying the game again 74-74 with 2:04 left on the clock. A three pointer by Walter Williams contributed the 77-75 lead held by the Trojans, followed by two free throw shots by Walter Williams to give the Trojans a 79-75 victory. The Mountain Cats were led by Levi Mausa and Drew Mangesto who both contributed 18 points respectively.
The University of Pittsburg-Johnstown finished the contest shooting 44.8 percent from the field (26-of-58) which included 12-of-29 behind the arc. Pitt-Johnstown did shoot well at the charity stripe, hitting 11-of-13 (84.6 percent).
Virginia State ended the contest shooting 55.8 percent from the field (29-of-52), knocked down 14-of-20 three pointers (70 percent) and out-rebounded their opponent 37-18.
The Trojans will return to action on Saturday evening against host Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. at the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex.
For the most up-to-date information on VSU men's basketball, please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
No comments:
Post a Comment