image via Chris Waugaman
The Virginia State men’s basketball team got a 27-point showing from the bench, but fell 79-78 to the Shaw Bears on the road Wednesday.
The Trojans (4-4) had four players score in double figures, led by Jacob Cooper, who had 18 points, six assists and two steals. William Hopkins tacked on 12 points and Amare Wimbush chipped in as well with 11 points, eight rebounds and three steals off of the bench.
Led by Jaylen Wynn’s five offensive rebounds, Virginia State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 20 boards that resulted in 15 second chance points.
Virginia State forced 17 Shaw turnovers while committing 15 themselves in Wednesday’s game. The Trojans turned those takeaways into 22 points on the other end of the floor. Wimbush’s three steals led the way for Virginia State.
How It Happened
Virginia State kept it close in the first period, but entered halftime down 38-34.
Virginia State narrowed its deficit to 68-65 before going on a 5-0 run to seize a 70-68 lead with 4:02 to go in the contest. Shaw re-asserted control, outscoring the Trojans 11-8 the rest of the way to hand Virginia State the 79-78 loss. Virginia State took care of business in the paint, recording 26 of its 44 points in the lane.
Game Notes» Virginia State recorded 16 total assists in the game.
» The Virginia State bench made an impact by adding 27 points to its scoring output.
» Virginia State lost despite a 46-33 rebounding advantage.
» The Virginia State defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Virginia State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 20 offensive boards in the game.
» Jacob Cooper led the Trojans with 18 points.
» Virginia State got a game-high eight rebounds from Amare Wimbush.
