Bluefield State Triumphs Over VSU, Advances to CIAA Championship

CHARLOTTE, NC - In a thrilling rematch of last year's CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) men's basketball championship game, the Bluefield State Big Blue emerged victorious, defeating the defending champions, the Virginia State University Trojans, by a score of 71-66.

The Big Blue, a team with a rich history in HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) athletics, showcased their resilience and determination, punching their ticket to the conference title game. This win marks Bluefield State's first victory against Virginia State since January 2025, snapping a four-game losing streak in the series, including a pair of games this season.

Leading the way for the Big Blue was Myles Pierre, who was named the game's MVP after scoring 23 points, including a stellar 17-of-18 performance from the free-throw line. Anthony Davenport also made a significant contribution, scoring 14 points and shooting 71% from the field, including three three-pointers. Ellija Preddy added 10 points and 4 assists to the team's efforts.

For the Trojans, Jacob Cooper led the way with 12 points and 3 steals, while Davian Coleman recorded a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

The game started with Bluefield State gaining an early double-digit lead, as the Trojans struggled, shooting just 17% from the field in the first half compared to the Big Blue's 42%.

The second half saw a remarkable turnaround for the Trojans, as they found open lanes to the basket and created opportunities on the perimeter. However, Bluefield State remained resilient, hitting timely shots to keep the defending champions at bay.

"It's going to be really crazy if Fayetteville State wins. I don't know what to tell you about that one. I'm sure that's the one that everyone would like to see because the storyline is unbelievable. I mean, I can't even believe it. Fayetteville State is a terrific team; to me, they're the best team in the conference because of the experience they have. They're a really good veteran team, and they're coached well. We look forward to whatever team we're playing and the challenge ahead of us."

HBCUConnect's Perspective: This thrilling victory by Bluefield State over the defending champions, Virginia State, not only showcases the talent and competitiveness of HBCU basketball programs but also highlights the rich history and legacy of these institutions. The Big Blue's triumph is a testament to the resilience and determination of HBCU athletes, who continually prove their ability to compete at the highest levels of collegiate sports. This story resonates deeply with the HBCU community, as it celebrates the successes and achievements of these institutions, which have long been a source of pride and inspiration for generations of students, alumni, and supporters.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.