Entering the CIAA tournament with the worst overall record in the conference, the Bluefield State Big Blue wiped its slate clean, coming away with a 50-48 win over the St. Augustine’s Falcons in the opening round.
Bluefield State wins its first conference tournament game since returning to the CIAA after a nearly 70-year absence.
The Big Blue were led by CIAA regular season leading scorer Jordan Hinds, who finished 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field and seven rebounds.
He was one of two players to score in double figures for Bluefield State, along with Travon Cooper, who scored 12 points.
Jawan Browder paced St. Augustine’s, scoring 21 points and connecting on 7-of-12 shot attempts, including 5-of-6 from three-point range.
After surrendering the first six points of the game, St. Augustine’s caught fire, building a double-digit lead thanks to four three-pointers by Browder.
They led by as many as 11 points in the first half, going into halftime with a 32-22 lead.
SURVIVE AND ADVANCE
@BlfdState advances to the next round
pic.twitter.com/DO41qzUXFw
— CIAA (@CIAAForLife) February 27, 2024
It was a struggle for the Big Blue all game, shooting 17-of-34 from the charity stripe, including 5-of-13 in the first half.
In the second half, however, the Falcons went cold from the field, shooting just 6-of-20, including 1-of-8 from three-point range.
Bluefield State took full advantage beginning the second half on a 17-3 run to take a four-point lead.
St. Augustine’s inability to take care of the ball returned to haunt them as they committed 12 turnovers in the second half (26 in the game).
Though the Falcons fought hard to remain competitive, the Big Blue outlasted them to win.
Bluefield State will now advance to face the reigning CIAA champion Winston-Salem State Rams in the quarterfinals.
