Box Score BRISTOL, Tenn. – The King University men's basketball team didn't lead for long against Virginia State University, but the led at the right time. Justin Frazier gave King the lead with 1:11 remaining, and the Tornado iced the 86-85 victory at the free throw line in the final minute.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: King 86, Virginia State 85
LOCATION: Student Center Complex; Bristol, Tenn.
RECORDS: King 4-1; Virginia State 4-3
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
- The Trojans wasted no time getting on the board as they opened up a 7-0 lead two minutes into the contest.
- Trailing 13-3, Mike Salomon started an 11-2 King spurt with a triple.
- James Brown followed with a trifecta and a three-point basket from Tyre Moore Jr. pulled King within 15-14.
- Moore Jr. later gave King their first lead at 29-27 with another triple, and King led 32-29 before the Trojans answered with five straight points to regain the lead.
- Virginia State held the advantage for the remainder of the first half and led 44-41 at the break.
Second Half
- The Tornado deficit grew to 62-50 six minutes into the second half before the Tornado started to work their way back.
- King used a 12-4 run to pull within 72-70 following a Moore Jr. triple with eight minutes remaining.
- It seemed as though the Trojans had an answer for every King bucket down the stretch, but the Tornado finally evened the score at 82 following five straight points.
- Frazier evened the tally with a layup and was fouled. He converted the three-point play, giving King the one-point advantage.
- Antonio Freeman gave King a two-point advantage with a free throw and Moore Jr. iced the 86-85 victory with a pair of free throws with 6.7 seconds remaining.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Salomon poured in a season-high 18 points on 4-for-8 from long range. He added nine rebounds.
- James Brown followed with 13 points while Desmond Davis added 12 points and four assists.
- Moore Jr. went 3-for-4 from three-point range, scoring 11 points while Kalen Clifton chipped in with 10 points.
FOR THE FOES
- Cyonte Melvin led Virginia State with 20 points.
- Jahmere Howze posted 15 points and 10 rebounds.
- Armond Griebe also scored 15 points.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Davis' 12 points mark a career-high. His previous best was three points, coming last season against Southern Wesleyan University.
- Brown's 13 points also set a career-high.
UP NEXT
- King opens Conference Carolinas play on Saturday at the University of Mount Olive. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in Mount Olive, N.C.
- Virginia State travels to Piedmont International University on Monday night.
