VSU Takes 89-80 Win Over JCSU Men

Ettrick, Va. (Jan. 10, 2018) – Despite having four players in dodsuble-figures, the Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team could not overcome an eight point halftime deficit, eventually falling to No. 16 Virginia State 89-80 in a CIAA game at the VSU Multipurpose Center on Wednesday night.

In the first half, JCSU jumped to a 10-9 lead following a Christian Kirchman (Roanoke, Va.) three-pointer at the 16:08 mark.  Following a Trojan miss, another Kirchman three provided JCSU the 13-9 lead. VSU then rallied with a three-pointer of their own to trim the Golden Bull lead to 13-12 with 14:46 on the first half clock.

Neither team could make a run to separate the game, but after being tied at 21-21, VSU put together a quick 5-0 spurt to take the 26-21 lead after a Trey Brown three pointer at the 8:05 mark.  JCSU would fight back to force the game's sixth tie at 29-29 following two Cayse Minor (Winston-Salem, N.C.) free throws.  VSU then responded by going on a 14-6 run to close the half, taking a 43-35 lead into halftime.

In the second half, VSU led by as many as 13 points (59-46), their largest of the game, but JCSU steadily chipped away at the lead, closing to within six points (66-60) by the 9:02 mark and then four points (74-70) following a Minor three-pointer with 4:50 to play.

After VSU boosted their lead back to nine points (84-75), JCSU again whittled the lead back to four points following two Robert Davis (West Friendship, Md.) free throws with 1:30 left.

That would be the closest JCSU would get, as VSU hit their free throws down the stretch on their way to an 89-80 win.

JCSU's Cayse Minor had a stellar night, finishing a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor, 4-of-4 from long range and 3-of-3 from the line.  Kirchman would lead the way for JCSU, scoring 23 points and dishing seven assists while Roddric Ross (Forest City, N.C.) had a double-double, his third of the season, with 13 points and 10 rebounds.  Senior guard Robert Davis kept his streak of scoring in double-figures alive at 28 games, chipping in 16 points for the Gold and Blue.

VSU had five players in double-figures lead by Richard Granberry with 18 points.

JCSU drops to 8-7 on the season and 2-2 in CIAA play while VSU now stands at 14-1 overall and 4-1 in CIAA games.

Next up for the Golden Bulls is a trip to Fayetteville State to open CIAA Southern Division play on Saturday, Jan. 13.  Tipoff from Capel Arena is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.