VSU confident of ending streak

Virginia State center Brandon Macklin shrugged off talk about Virginia Union's dominance of the Trojans, who have lost 13 in a row to their CIAA rivals.

Macklin only wants to look forward. Besides, the past looks far too bleak for a Virginia State program that continues to improve under third-year coach Anthony Collins -- save the hurdle that is Virginia Union.

The Trojans haven't beaten the Panthers since Jan. 20, 2002. And Collins is 0-5, including a 76-66 loss to VUU in the 2008 CIAA tournament.

However, the Trojans will enter Sunday's Freedom Classic at the Coliseum with the wind at their backs. They earned their biggest victory this season when they upset preseason conference favorite Elizabeth City State on Jan. 10.

"The win at Elizabeth City State was a confidence builder," said Collins, whose team lost 68-61 to VUU in last year's Freedom Classic. "It tells us we can beat the top teams in this league."

But can the Trojans beat Virginia Union?

The 6-8 Macklin, a Meadowbrook High School product, believes they can, especially now that he's gaining confidence offensively. But it took him more time than he anticipated to fit into an offense that last season relied primarily on its perimeter game.

"Brandon brings toughness and experience that our frontcourt really needed," Collins said. "He also brings maturity that's going to help us out in the long run."

Macklin, a transfer from Charleston Southern, is providing a consistent inside game that the Trojans have lacked since all-CIAA center Avis Wyatt graduated two years ago. Also, he's retooled and refined a midrange jumper that failed him earlier this season.

With Macklin and his frontcourt mates -- J.C. Chaney, Jacobe Simpson and Leon Willis -- elevating their games, the Trojans are confident they can finally take down their conference nemesis in the second game of a doubleheader that also features a MEAC matchup between Winston-Salem and Hampton, which tips off at 5:30 p.m.

"I know a little about breaking streaks. [Charleston Southern] went down to College of Charleston, and we finally broke a long losing streak to them," Macklin said. "This is a different [Virginia State] team this year, so we feel good about our chances."

The Trojans' chances depend largely on how well they perform against a relatively inexperienced VUU front court. Macklin is likely to have his hands full in the post against Panthers center Gregg Thondique.

Macklin stood tall against a bigger Virginia Commonwealth team during a preseason exhibition. So, he vows not be intimidated by the VUU mystique -- or, at least, by VSU's checkered past against the Panthers.

"We've got solid guard play, but in order for us to win we have to play well in the paint," said Macklin, who opted for VSU after considering Morgan State and Norfolk State. "So far, we've been put to the test and sometimes it's been pretty rough.

"I've played Division I basketball, so I'm used to getting up for tough games. It's taken good competition to get us ready for the CIAA."

So far, Macklin said it's been an easy transition from Division I to Division II.

"The [VSU] system isn't too much different than Charleston Southern," Macklin said. "There's not much difference in competition when you compare the Big South and CIAA."

The Panthers and Trojans will have the spotlight tonight during the Freedom Classic -- a showcase of historically black Division I and Division II programs.

"I think having the Division II game as the main event in the Freedom Classic gives us an opportunity to make a big statement," Macklin said. "There is talent in Division II basketball."

Macklin has added talent to a Virginia State roster that had only one bona fide scorer, guard Trey Mines, before he arrived on campus this fall.

Collins, of course, is hoping Macklin is the difference as the Trojans try to earn a rare victory in a one-sided rivalry.

Contact Ralph N. Paulk at (804) 852-76851 or .