ETTRICK, Va. – The Mansfield University men's basketball team improved on both ends of the court in their second contest in as many nights to kick of the season, but Virginia Union shot over 50 percent to steal a 70-61 non-conference victory at the VSU Multipurpose Center on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Farrell was 3-of-6 from 3-point land and 5-of-9 to lead the Mounties (0-2 overall) in scoring in their second game of the season. Freshman Justice Smith added 15 points, four points and four rebounds, while sophomore Marcus Friend scored in double-figures for the second straight game, finishing with 10 points (4-of-4 free throws), while adding a game-high five steals. Farrell, Smith and Friend attempted all of the Mountaineers free throws, finishing 11-of-14.

The Mounties forced 26 turnovers, while limiting their own to just 16, but Virginia Union (1-1 overall) shot a cool 51 percent (26-of-51) from the floor and 48 percent (11of-23) from three. The Mounties finished 22-of-60 from the field and 6-of-29 from deep on the night. The Mounties finished with a game-high 16 steals.

The Mountaineers first three buckets came from down town, giving MU a 9-7 lead through the opening seven minutes. Smith drilled a free throw to give the Mounties a 15-14 lead at the 11:22 mark, but Virginia Union went on a 19-4 run over the next five minutes to extend their lead to 14 and never looked back.

The Mountaineers outscored Virginia Union, 31-30 in the second half, but fell 40-30 in the opener. 

Kaleaf Tate led Virginia Union with 16 points thanks to a 4-of-7 effort from down town. Tahj Harding added 11 points.

The Mounties are back in action on Tuesday night, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. on the road at Roberts Wesleyan.