No. 16 Virginia State Claims 82-72 Victory Over the Panthers of Virginia Union University

RICHMOND, Virginia -- The Virginia State University men's basketball team (15-1, 5-1 CIAA) claimed an 82-72 victory over the Panthers of Virginia Union to win the 23rd Annual Richmond Freedom Classic tonight at the Richmond Coliseum.

Trey Brown finished with a game-high 25 points on 7-of-16 shots from the field to go along with five rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Philip Owens posted a 13-point performance, to go with three rebound and one assist. Cyonte Melvin finished the contest with contributing 12 points.

The Trojans forced 18 Virginia Union turnovers in the contest. The win was also Virginia State's second over Virginia Union in Richmond where the Trojans secured a 74-59 victory last year at the Freedom Classic. Virginia State led by as many as 21 at 42-21 at the half, but Virginia Union (9-9, 4-2 CIAA) continued to fight by adding 51 points in the second half to cut the lead to 11 with 3:08 to go. From there, the Trojans continued to add points to the board ending the game 82-72.

James Paige paced Virginia Union with 21 points on 6-of-18 shooting, while William Jenkins and Todd Hughes added 16 points each. The Trojans started the game strong securing a 21-point advantage over the Panthers, a lead that they held the lead the entire contest.

The Trojans collected a 42-21 halftime advantage, with seven different Trojans scoring in the opening period.

Despite their turnovers, the Panthers managed to stay in the game in the second half due to their free throw shooting, as they connected on 27 of 34 shots in the second half. Virginia Union finished the contest shooting 73 percent from the free throw line. The Trojans finished the contest shooting 83 percent from the free throw line.

FIRST HALF DOMINANCE: Virginia State has scored 25 or more points in the first half of majority
of the games this season, scoring 42 in the first half tonight.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS: The Trojans made it their 11th game this season with 15 or more points off turnovers, scoring 19 points off the Panthers' 18 turnovers.

UP NEXT: The Trojans will hit the road as they head to Murfreesboro, N.C. to face the Hawks of Chowan University on Saturday, January 20. Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m.

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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