ETTRICK, Va. – Senior guard Daniel McClain-Corley (Clinton, Md./Massanutten Military Academy) scored a game-high 20 points to lead Shepherd (1-0) to a 68-56 win over Virginia State (0-1) in the season opener for both schools on Friday in men's basketball action at the Atlantic Region Crossover at Virginia State. 

McClain-Corley connected on 8-of-15 shots from the floor with a 4-of-9 effort from three-point range. He added four rebounds, two blocked shots, and two steals.

Freshman guard Marcus Banks (Clinton, Md./Riverdale Baptist) added 16 points and a team-high six rebounds. Senior guard Phillip Jordan (Rockville, Md./St. Albans) added 15 points and a game-high five assists.                                                

Kendall Bynum had 11 points to lead the Trojans. Tremere Brown added nine [points and seven boards. 

Shepherd had a 31-29 lead at the half. 

Shepherd connected on 43.9 percent (25-57) of its field goals with a 32.1 percent (9-28) performance from three-point range. The Rams drained 75 percent (9-12) of their free throws.

Virginia State shot 40 percent (20-50) from the floor with a 28.6 percent (6-21) effort from beyond the arc. The Trojans hit 62.5 percent (10-16) of their free throws. 

Rebounds were even at 28-all. The Rams forced 18 turnovers and committed 14. 

The Rams return to action on Saturday when they face St. Augustine's at 3 p.m. for final day action of the Atlantic Region Crossover.