Petersburg, Virginia –Bowie State University’s Big & Bad Bulldogs bused to the Land of Troy to straighten out their athletic argument with the Mighty Trojans of Virginia State University. The Trojans overcame a six-point halftime deficit to brainwash BSU for 16 total turnovers and outwork their opponents 33 – 22 in the second half. VSU huffed and puffed to blow the Bulldogs back to Bowie with a 62 – 57 upset. The win was prior to the celebrated career ceremony for one of VSU’s most illustrious athletes. After gazing at his jersey descending from the rafters announcing the official retirement of his jersey (#30), legendary Trojan icon Darrell Stith commented, “Tonight was a very special night…the Trojans beating the Bulldogs was just the icing of the cake!”

 

At the beginning of the first half, VSU’s #25 Brian “Hang-time” Henderson blasted off with the tip for a high-flying, no denying dunk! The cheer crying crowd was hushed by BSU #2 Ray Akinola’s three-pointer. VSU’s #50 Jahmel Raymond made a jumper to give the Trojans a 4 – 3 lead. BSU and VSU bartered baskets until the 16:37 mark when #3 Le’Greg “Get Money” Harrison made a quick two-pointer to tie the game at 10 – 10. The next six minutes consisted of the Trojans being held scoreless as the Bulldogs built a 12 point lead (22 – 10). VSU shot 41.9% (13 of 31) from the field and were able to close the gap to five (17 – 22) with a floater by #5 Rodney Henry, a towering tip by #22 Michael Johnson, and a deep drain for three by #24 Michael Askew. The Bulldogs barked back their 10 point lead (27 – 17) after #21 Thomas Hawkins made a three-pointer and then a jumper. For the remainder of the half, the Trojans kept the Bulldogs within an arm-lengths reach with Askew leading the offense with nine points. However, BSU held a 35 – 29 halftime point margin advantage with #1 Derick Payne shooting six of eight from the field for 15 first half points.

 

VSU’s Harrison was still smoking from the first half and initiated the second half with an eye burning three-pointer. The Trojans got another three ball from Askew but still trailed by four (39 – 35 BSU). VSU sliced it to three (45 – 42 BSU) with a banked basket by Raymond, an up and under by #22 Michael Johnson, and then an unbelievable three-point play by Hang-time Henderson. Phi Beta Sigma’s Henry escorted the Trojans to be within one (48 – 49) with two phenomenal plays. The intriguing conference competition was tied at 53 – 53 with a free throw by #33 Aubrey Brown, a short jumper by Brown, and then a steal and fast break lay-up by #23 Mark Adams. A distanced two-pointer by Henderson and two free throws by Henry gave the Trojans a cushioned 57 – 53 lead. After freshman Brown fascinated fans with a finger-roll, Askew put the Bulldogs to sleep charity stripe conversions in the closing seconds. 

 

Leading in scoring for the Trojans was #24 Michael Askew with 15 points. Three points behind Askew was True Foundation’s #3 Le’Greg Harrison with 12 points. Additional scoring was provided by #25 Brian Henderson with nine points and #5 Rodney Henry with eight points. Henderson captained VSU’s defense with eight rebounds, two blocks, and two steals as Harrison dished out four of the Trojans’ 10 assists.

 

 

The Virginia State University will sport the much anticipated and deserved victory to Elizabeth City, North Carolina on Saturday, February 18, 2006 to play against the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University. The clash of the titans will begin at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

Cannot make it to the game? Well tune into WVST 91.3 and listen to Mr. Sean Robertson, Mr. James Yedel, and Mr. Jerry Crawford as they deliver all the play-by-play action!