After 11 years of defeat in the annual Freedom Classic, and 23 consecutive regular-season losses and to Virginia Union University, forgive the alumni, fans and players at my alama mater Virginia State if their celebration is a bit lengthy this week after beating the Panthers for the first time since 2002. Wow! That seems like a generation ago. For VSU fans, it’s been a long time coming, but the Trojans pulled out a 70 – 65 victory Sunday evening at the Richmond Coliseum in the Freedom Classic, an event held annually to honor the King Holiday Weekend.
Meanwhile, another HUGE game coming up here in the Capital City on Thursday night at the Robins Center as the University of Richmond and VCU will meet for the first time as Atlantic – 10 members, and the Rams roll out to the West End riding a 13-game win streak and ranked 19th in the nation. The Spiders have been up & down, but have played some stiff competition and enter Thursday’s game at 12 – 7 on the season.
In the MEAC, the Spartans of Norfolk State University took a 4-game win streak into Monday night’s game with Morgan State, and NSU holds serve at home as the Spartans escape with a 73 – 71 victory. A huge win for Norfolk State, which remains undefeated in the MEAC at 5 – 0. At Hampton University, the Pirates hosted Coppin State hoping to get back on the winning track Monday, and in overtime HU falls on two free throws with one second to play 67 – 65.
