The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) men’s basketball team suffered their first loss at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center Friday afternoon to the Virginia State University (VSU) Trojans 77-69. This brings UVI to a 2-5 overall record on the season.
UVI (2-5) led early in the game after opening on a 10-4 run. Virginia State then battled back to tie the game at 21 and proceeded to go on a 13-5 run to close out the half. At the break the Buccaneers trailed 34-26.
The Buccaneers struggled offensively to start the second half, allowing VSU to extend its lead early in the period. UVI trailed by as many as 18 points with 13:14 left in the game. However, the Buccaneers chipped away at the lead late in the game in their comeback attempt.
Will Steger led the charge as he hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut the lead to five points with 35 seconds left in the game. But it was not enough as clutch free throw shooting allowed VSU to escape with the win.
Steger scored an impressive 18 points in his season debut for the Buccaneers.
Maurice Smith, Jr. recorded his third double-double of the season as he posted 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Jalil Langston scored a season-best 23 points, including 14 first half points. Langston was also active on the defensive end as he recorded four steals as well.
For Virginia State, Imhotep George scored 17 points to lead his team.
UVI returns to the court on the second day of the YES USVI CLASSIC as they face off with the Clinton College on Saturday, December 16 at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center. Tipoff is at 9 a.m.
About UVI Athletics
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and, as of July 1, 2023, competes in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Entering the 2023-24 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 17th season of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. For more information on UVI Athletics, visit UVIAthletics.com.