MURFREESBORO - Four Hawks scored in double-figures on their way to their first-ever CIAA win tonight over Virginia State University. The Hawks erased a six-point halftime deficit and scored 42 second half points to take the 85-79 win over Virginia State. Key shooting down the stretch helped propel the Hawks to their first season victory. 

The Hawks erased a six point halftime deficit and scored 42 second half points. Chowan's Jaleel Nelson gave the Hawks their first lead of the second half after converting a three point play at the 10:42. He muscled his way through the lane and put down a tough lay up and was fouled. With the basket counted, Nelson hit the back end of the three point play for a 64-62 lead. 

VSU's Trey Mines knotted the game at 64-64 on a lay up on the Trojan's next trip down the floor but Charles Rhodes drained a three pointer on the Hawks next possession to take a 67-64 lead. The Hawks spread their lead to as many as nine points with just under three minutes to play and held on to the 85-79 win. 

Rhodes and Nate Walchuk each dropped 18 points tonight and combined for seven made three pointers. Nelson ended the game with 17 points, five assists, and six rebounds. Lando Morrison sat out the second half but still converted 14 points in just 10 minutes of play in the first half. 

Chowan drained 55% of their shots from the floor and grabbed 33 boards in the win while VSU shot 48% from the floor. 

The Hawks move to 1-0 overall and 1-0 in league play while the Trojans start the season with a loss at 0-1. 

The Hawks will host Bowie State University on Saturday at 4:00pm in their next outing.