Jan. 9, 2008
Box Score
Fayetteville, NC - Fayetteville State University fought back from a 16-point first half deficit but could not triumph over Virginia Union University with a 72-68 loss in men's basketball action Tuesday evening inside Capel Arena.
With 13:01 on the clock in the opening half, Coach Sam Hanger called his second timeout to regroup his players. Regrouping was needed because the Broncos had yet to score and the Panthers were up 16-0. Whatever was said in the huddle, senior guard Phillippe Harris heard it loud and clear. Harris put the first points on the board for the Broncos with a three with 12:24 remaining before halftime.
Virginia Union guard Brandon Byerson hit a three with 6:33 on the clock to put his team up 30-11. However, the Broncos responded with a 23-4 scoring run led by Harris to go into halftime tied at 34 apiece. Harris had 17 points in the first half, shooting 83.3 percent from the three point line (5-of-6), including back-to-back threes that tied the score for FSU at the buzzer.
The Broncos would capture the lead in the second half, eventually holding an eight point advantage with 11:29 remaining in the contest. However, the Panthers stayed focused and dug their way back. Forward Lakeith Blanks was fouled and sent to the free throw line, where he would make both shots from the charity stripe to put VUU back in front 67-66 with 2:51 to play.
With good ball movement and solid defense, the Panthers prevented Fayetteville State from scoring again from the field. A lay-up from VUU's Greg Thondique and a couple free throws from both teams would account for the 72-68 final.
Harris ended the game with 28 points, three steals, and three rebounds. Junior guard Andy Gebru was the Broncos other main scoring threat; concluding the contest with 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
The win improves Virginia Union to 7-2 overall this season and evens the season series at 1-1 between the two schools. Fayetteville State will drop to 5-7 in the overall standings and 1-3 in conference play.
Fayetteville State returns to Capel Arena for basketball action as they take on Virginia State University on Thursday, January 10th. Tip-off is schedule for 7:30pm
