Box Score PETERSBURG, VA- The Chowan University men's basketball team dropped an 81-77 decision to Virginia State University on Wednesday evening. The Hawks move to 17-6 on the season and 9-3 in CIAA play with the setback while the Trojans advance to 17-5 on the season and 11-3 in the league with the win.

Andrew Lopez led the effort for the Hawks with 21 points in the setback. Jeremy Smith added 16 points while Joe Goodwin and Kortez Smith added 11 points and 10 points, respectively. Carlos Arroyo hauled in a team-high nine rebounds (two offensive, seven defensive) in the loss.

Kevin Williams led all players in the contest with 26 points for Virginia State. Joseph Bradshaw added 17 points while Elijah Moore added 15 points and eight rebounds (one offensive, seven defensive) in the win for the Trojans.

Chowan and Virginia State battled early in the contest as both teams fought to establish a firm grip of the momentum. The Hawks overcame seven ties to take a 16-15 advantage by the 12:39 mark in the first half before leading by as many as eight points (23-15) with 9:45 left before halftime. Down but not out, Virginia State answered back to knot the score twice more before the end of the first half, but Lopez's three-pointer left the Trojans trailing 39-33 heading into the halftime break.

The Hawks held onto the lead until the 13:34 mark in the second half when Bradshaw's lay-up knotted the score 48-48. Chowan worked to remain within striking distance and used Lopez's free throw with 7:20 left in the game to tie the score 62-62. Javon Moore's free throw followed by Williams' jumper pushed Virginia State ahead 65-62. With the Trojans clinging to a 74-72 lead with 36 seconds left in the game, Bradshaw hit a three-pointer for Virginia State to swing the momentum in favor of the Trojans. The Hawks were unable to overcome the deficit and allowed the Trojans to take advantage of late free throws to secure the 81-77 victory.

Chowan looks to recover on Saturday as the Hawks host Bowie State University. Tip-off is slated for 4:00pm in the Helms Center. Chowan will recognize the 1983-84 team and will formally retire Nate McMillan's jersey during halftime of the contest. Click HERE for more information.