Clarion, PA – Bluefield State University Men's Basketball opened their season with a 80-77 victory over Clarion University in the Clarion Tip-off on Friday.
Nduka Ogwu got the scoring started for the Big Blue with a put back layup. Clarion answered with five consecutive points, but a three from Jordan Hinds evened the score at 5. Midway through the half, Clarion built a lead of six, but a three from Chase Page sparked a 11-0 run for the Big Blue to take the 22-17 lead. With a minute to go and down by one, a layup from Travon Cooper and a three-point play from Clay Baldwin put the Big Blue up by four. Clarion answered with a three to take the Big Blue into the half with the 38-37 advantage over Clarion.
Clarion came out with the first six points of the half to take the five-point lead over the Big Blue. The Big Blue battled back and a three from Cooper evened the score at 47. After a back-and-forth battle, Clarion built up a seven-point lead with 6:23 left to play. A layup from Hinds with 2:23 gave the Big Blue the one-point lead. Despite Clarion pulling within one with 21 seconds on the clock, a trip to the line for Hinds secured the 80-77 victory for the Big Blue.
Jordan Hinds led all scorers with 26 points and nine rebounds. Nduka Ogwu added 14 points and eight rebounds.
Up Next
The Big Blue will take on Mercyhurst University today in day two of the Clarion Tipoff at 4 p.m.
Live Video Link: https://psacsportsdigitalnetwork.com/clarion/?B=747606
Live Stats Link: https://clariongoldeneagles.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary
