Box Score MURFREESBORO- The Chowan University men's basketball team edged Virginia State University 57-52 on Wednesday evening in the Helms Center.  The Hawks improve to 13-10 on the year and 7-6 in the CIAA with the win while the Trojans move to 16-6 overall and 10-3 in league play.

Kyree Bethel notched 20 points in the victory for the Hawks (including four three pointers) while Josh Mellette and Kortez Smith chipped in nine points apiece.  Mellette also grabbed a team-high nine rebounds for the Blue and White.

Alphonso Leary and Elijah Moore both tallied 12 points apiece for the Trojans in the setback. 

Tiron Brown started the contest with a jumper for the Hawks as Chowan quickly built a 9-4 lead by the 15:38 mark in the first half.  With the score tied 11-11 at the 12:48 mark, two made free throws by Kortez Smith sparked a 13-0 run for the Hawks and left Virginia State trailing 24-11 with 6:25 remaining before halftime.  The Hawks closed out the first half leading 31-19. 

Virginia State cut the deficit to three points (40-37) midway through the second half but Chowan battled to pull away 49-41 by the 4:03 mark.  The Hawks held on to a 51-47 advantage with 1:55 on the clock before Bethel's layup and Smith's made free throws gave Chowan a 55-47 cushion with 45 seconds left in the game. 
The Trojans were unable to battle back and suffered the 57-52 deficit.

 The Hawks return to action on Saturday when they travel to Bowie State University for a CIAA Northern Division match-up.  Tip-off is slated for 4:00pm.