From Trojans Sports Information Department:
MURFRESSBORO, N.C. (February 13, 2019)–The Virginia State University men’s basketball team (21-4, 13-1 CIAA, 6-1 Northern Division) claimed an 87-81 victory over the Hawks of Chowan University tonight at the Helms Center.
Jahmere Howze finished with a double-double performance with a game-high 26 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Jackson posted a 23-point performance, to go with four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Cyonte Melvin finished the contest with contributing 13 points and six rebounds.
The Trojans forced 15 Chowan turnovers in the contest. Virginia State led by as many as 22 in the first half. The score was 50-34 at the half, but Chowan (12-10, 5-8 CIAA) continued to fight by adding 47 points in the second half to cut the lead to four with 7:26 to go. From there, the Trojans continued to add points to the board ending the game 87-81.
Michael Kelly paced Chowan with game-high 23 points on 10-of-18 shooting, while Gus Rowland added 17 points. The Trojans started the game strong securing a 12-2 lead over the Hawks.
The Trojans collected a 42-34 halftime advantage, with seven different Trojans scoring in the opening period.
Despite their turnovers, the Hawks managed to stay in the game in the second half due to their free throw shooting, as they connected on 10 of 18 shots in the second half. The Hawks finished the contest shooting 71 percent from the free throw line. The Trojans finished the contest shooting 83.3 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 50 in the first half tonight.
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS: The Trojans made it another game this season with 15 or more points off turnovers, scoring 16 points off the Hawks’ 15 turnovers.
Up Next: The Virginia State University men’s basketball team will return home as they host the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16that 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.
