Melvin Helps VSU Trojans Hold Off The University of Mount Olive on the Road

MOUNT OLIVE, North Carolina -- The Virginia State University men's basketball team defeated the Trojans of the University of Mount Olive, 84-71,  at Kornegay Arena.

Cyonte Melvin led the way for the Trojans (9-1) with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the floor. Melvin also contributed five total rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Richard Granberry finished the contest with a double-double performance, with 15 points and 15 total rebounds. Brandon Holley added 15 points to round out VSU's double-digit scorers.

The University of Mount Olive were led by Darius Spragley, who tallied 13 points and five rebounds in the contest, including 12 points in the second half to help the University of Mount Olive attempt to stay within striking distance.

VSU, scoring the opening basket of the game, to go on a 2-0 run in the opening minutes to set the tone for the first half of the contest by building a 35-28 lead going into halftime. The University of Mount Olive tried to rally, but could never cut the VSU Trojans lead in the opening frame.

The VSU Trojans' continued to bring the same energy into the second half, as they continued to extend their lead. Cyonte Melvin contributed 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor. VSU's second leading scorer Richard Granberry secured nine points and eight total rebounds in the half. Virginia State added 49 points to close out the contest with an 84-71 victory.

Virginia State finished the contest shooting 47.9 (34-71) percent from the field, 30.4 (7-23) from the arc and 69.2 (9-13) percent from the free throw line.

BOX SCORE

CLOSING OUT WITH THE FREEBIES: After attempting only three free throws in the first half, the Trojans of VSU made it to the charity stripe 20 times in the second period, converting on 70 percent (7-10) of those trips. Of the second-half attempts, four came in with six minutes of action to help VSU seal the victory.

UP NEXT: After tonight's win, VSU returns home as they host King University on Saturday, December 30 to close out the year 2017. Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m. at the VSU Multipurpose Center.

For the most up-to-date information on VSU men's basketball, please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.

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