ELIZABETH CITY, NC- Vikings tip-off four-game home slate with a 86-70 victory over the Builders of the Newport News Apprentice School Tuesday night.  

The Vikings improve to a 5-3 overall record. ECSU awaits a three-game schedule in the next six days against familiar conference opponents in Claflin, SAU, and FSU.  

ECSU shot 54.8 percent (34 of 62) from the field, 31.3 percent (5 of 16) from behind the arc, and 61.9 percent (13 of 21) at the line. 

Newport News Apprentice School shot 38.5 percent from the field (25 of 65), made 20.8 percent (5 of 24) behind the arc, and went 68.2 percent (15 of 22) at the line. 

Senior guard Zaccheus Hobbs (Maysville, NC), continues to lead the charge for the Vikings in scoring. Hobbs racked up 17 points on the night. Senior forward Shykeef Daniels recorded a double-double scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman guard Jayden Beloti (Apex, NC) ended the night with 13 points, while brother Senior forward Brandon Beloti (Apex, NC) rounded out double digit scoring for the Vikings with 10 points. 

Marion Moore led the Newport News Apprentice School with 17 points on the night. 

The Vikings were able to dominate the Builders in the first half going on a 16-0 run to jump out in front of the builders 18-5 with nearly 10 minutes left before the half. 

More importantly a handful of Viking players were getting looks and knocking down shots, something any coaching staff loves to see.  

The Vikings saw their largest lead of the game early in the second half after three consecutive steals led to scoring opportunities for J. Beloti, Hobbs, and senior forward Samuel Sowunmi (Lagos, Nigeria) giving ECSU a 57-25 advantage with 15:22 left to play.  

It appeared as if the Vikings had a handle on the night, but ECSU experienced some struggles with turnovers and defensive presence down the stretch allowing the Builders to put up 53 points in the second half.  

Despite second half troubles, the Vikings put the game away with a 16-point margin 86-70 and are looking to focus on the upcoming conference matchups that await ECSU.  

The Vikings will be back in action on Thursday, December 16th, against the Panthers of Claflin University in the R.L. Vaughan Center. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 PM. 
  
Follow Elizabeth City State Athletics via its official website at www.ecsuvikings.com to get pre-and post-game stories and updates. 
  
ECSU Athletics is also on social media, follow us on Twitter at @ECSUVikings and Instagram at @ecsusports