Baltimore, MD – Bluefield State University men's basketball overcame a ten-point halftime deficit to take the victory 50-48 victory over Saint Augustine's University in the opening round of the CIAA tournament.
The Big Blue took the early 6-0 lead after a layup from Jordan Hinds, a free throw from Travon Cooper and a three from Hinds. The Falcons battled back to even the score at 8. Midway through the half, a layup from Rylan Bowens gave the Big Blue the 17-15 lead. The Falcons answered with 13 consecutive points to take the 11-point lead over the Big Blue with 3:19 left in the first. A free throw from Nduka Ogwu pulled the Big Blue within ten going into the half.
The Big Blue came out of the half and scored the first six points to cut the Falcons lead to four. A dunk from Hinds at the 12:36 mark evened the score at 35. A layup from J. Caleb Slawinski put the Big Blue ahead by four. The Falcons took back the lead with 4:10 left to play. The Big Blue battled back and took the four-point lead with 45 seconds left to play. The Falcons pulled within one in the next possession but a free throw from Cooper with a second left secured the 50-48 victory for the Big Blue.
Hinds led the Big Blue with 24 points and seven rebounds. Cooper added 12 points and four rebounds.
Up Next
The Big Blue will face the defending Champions on Wednesday, February 28th at 10 a.m.
