Livingstone Blue Bears Stun Winston-Salem State Rams in CIAA Season Finale Showdown

In a thrilling season-ending matchup, the Livingstone Lady Blue Bears pulled off a stunning 61-54 upset victory over the Winston-Salem State Lady Rams in the final regular-season game of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball slate.

The loss snapped a seven-game winning streak for the Winston-Salem State Lady Rams, who entered the contest with an impressive 23-3 overall record. Meanwhile, the Livingstone Lady Blue Bears finished the regular season with an 8-18 record, but rode the momentum of winning their last two games into this upset victory.

Jasiyah Crawford led the way for the Livingstone Blue Bears, pouring in a season-high 20 points, including four three-pointers - also a season-best. Meanwhile, Breasia Coit dominated the paint, recording a double-double with 12 points, 21 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Coit's standout performance marked her 18th double-double of the season, tying her for the third-most in Division II.

For the Winston-Salem State Lady Rams, Alana Biosse came off the bench to lead the team with 16 points, knocking down 4 three-pointers. However, outside of Biosse, the rest of the Rams shot a dismal 21% from the field and were 0-for-13 from three-point range.

While the Winston-Salem State Lady Rams will enter the CIAA tournament as the number-one seed in the Southern division, the Livingstone Lady Blue Bears will have to start their postseason run in the opening round against Elizabeth City State, with the winner advancing to face Bowie State.

"This upset win over a top-ranked CIAA team is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Livingstone Lady Blue Bears. As an HBCU institution, these types of signature victories not only inspire their campus community but also showcase the immense talent and competitiveness within the CIAA conference. Performances like this remind us all of the rich basketball tradition and proud legacy of HBCUs across the country."

HBCUConnect.com, the premier online community for HBCU alumni and supporters, commends the Livingstone Lady Blue Bears for their gutsy performance and ability to topple a conference powerhouse. This type of upset victory not only energizes the Livingstone campus but also shines a spotlight on the abundance of basketball excellence found within the CIAA and the HBCU landscape as a whole. Moments like these remind us all of the fierce competitive spirit and unparalleled passion that defines HBCU athletics.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.