Baltimore, MD – Bluefield State University Men's basketball fell to Virginia State University 71-64 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament championship.

Big Blue Shainen Carter scored the first bucket with a dunk. The Big Blue extended their lead to seven midway through the half after a jumper from Rell Williams. The Trojans took the lead at the 6:42 mark, 24-23. Down three with 26 seconds left in the first, a bucket at the buzzer by Jordan Hinds pulled the Big Blue within one to go into the half.

The Trojans extended their lead 46-41 with 14 minutes left to play. The Big Blue took the three-point lead after back-to-back layups from Hinds and Williams at the 7:03 mark. A Larry Howell layup pushed the Big Blue lead to five, but the Trojans scored 12 unanswered points to pull away and secure the 71-64 Championship victory.

Jordan Hinds, Rell Williams, and Shainen Carter were each selected to be on the All-tournament team by the CIAA basketball committee.

Williams led the Big Blue with 16 points, with Howell adding 15, Carter with 14 and Hinds with 12 points. Carter led the Big Blue in rebounds with eight on the night.

"Proud is an understatement. This team is so special," said Head Coach Devin Hoehn. "They battled, grew, and gave everything they had. We didn't get the result we wanted, but the journey that took us here made it all worth it. Thank you to our players, coaches, and every fan who showed up for us."

Final: Bluefield State 64, Virginia State 71