Bluefield, W.Va.— The Bluefield State Men's Basketball team lost another close game, 81-89, against Tusculum College tonight in the Ned E. Shott Gymnasium in Bluefield, W.Va.

Box Score

The Big Blues stuck with a tough defensive team throughout the whole game. In the first half the Pioneers took an early lead, 13-4. But the Big Blues went on a 9-2 run to take a 23-17 lead midway through the half. The lead changed a few times, but Junior Joshua Windham made a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the half at a tie, 38-38.

In the second half, the game was closer on the scoreboard as well as with fouls. Neither team took a double-digit lead at any point. During the last few minutes of the game, the Pioneers seemed to keep extending their lead little by little. The Big Blues were down by three, 77-80 with 2 minutes on the clock, but the Pioneers held their composure. Tusculum finished the game on a 9-4 run with 7 free-throws and a layup for the 89-81 victory.

For the game the Big Blues shot 43.9% from the field, 34.8% from the 3-point line, and 75% from the free-throw line. The Pioneers shot 48.4% from the field, 37.5% from the 3-point line, and 72% from the free-throw line.

The Big Blues out-rebounded the Pioneers 42-36 and turned the ball over 12 times compared to their opponents' 13.

Junior Joshua Windham had 21 points on 4-for-9 from three, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Freshman Chas Harvey had 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Senior Avery Holliday had 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

Junior Julian Hernandez had 11 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 rebound. Junior James Day (pictured) grabbed 10 rebounds on the night and added in 6 points and 1 assist.

The Big Blues next game will be against West Virginia University Institute of Technology on Sat., Nov. 21st at the Beckley Convention Center in Beckley, W.Va. There will be a double-header, the Women's Basketball team will start at 2:00 p.m. and the Men will follow at 4:00 p.m.