Bluefield, W.Va.— The Bluefield State Men's Basketball team lost another close game tonight, 84-86, against Virginia Union University in the Ned E. Shott Gymnasium in Bluefield, W.Va.

Box Score

In the first half, the visiting Panthers were dominant taking an early 8 point lead 5 minutes into the game.

Near the midway point, the Panthers pushed the lead to 19 points, but the Big Blues quickly cut the lead to 10 points with 8 minutes remaining.

After a made three by Avery Holliday, the Big Blues tied the game, 37-37 with about 3 minutes on the clock. By the end of the half, the Big Blues were only down 3 points, 40-43.

In the second half, the Big Blues stayed with the Panthers and gave themselves a chance to win it near the end. The Big Blues held the lead midway through the half for about 4 minutes, pushing their lead to 7 points.

The Panthers came back though and took the lead and held it to the end of the game. The Big Blues were down by 1-point under three minutes remaining in the game, but couldn't take advantage of their chances. The Big Blues extended the game by making some key shots and fouling the Panthers to force them to make free-throws, which is was sealed the game for the opponents.

Freshman Chas Harvey sank two free-throws to get within 2 points. With less than 3 seconds on the clock, the Big Blues had a chance to win the game. Avery Holliday grabbed the missed free-throw attempt by the Panthers and heaved a three-quarter length shot, but missed.

For the game, the Big Blues shot 41.7% from the field, 30.3% from three, and 73.7% from the free-throw line.

Offensively, the Big Blues had 4 players scoring in double-digits tonight and all players who played, except for one, scored at least 1 point. Junior guard Joshua Windham led the way with 20 points, he added in 3 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Junior James Day dominated on the glass grabbing 16 rebounds (career high) on the night and added in 7 points, 2 steals, 1 block, and 1 assist.

Senior Avery Holliday (pictured) had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists, and 1 block. Senior Mark Durgan had 18 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Freshman Chas Harvey had 14 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.

The Big Blues look to end their losing streak on Sat., Dec. 5th, when they travel to take on the Salem International University Tigers at 2:00 p.m. in Salem, W.Va.