WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 26, 2025) — Virginia State men's basketball earned a hard-fought 62–58 victory over Delaware State on Wednesday afternoon, using a dominant first half and clutch late-game execution to secure the win at the inaugural HBCU in DC showcase.

The Trojans (1–0) surged ahead early behind a blistering shooting performance, knocking down eight first-half three-pointers and building a 42–30 halftime lead. Jared White spearheaded the offensive outburst, scoring 12 of his team-high 19 points before the break on 4-of-7 shooting from deep. White finished the game 5-of-8 from beyond the arc and added three steals.

Jordan Lambert delivered nine points, including a pair of early threes and a perfect 4-for-4 stretch at the free-throw line in the first half. Jared Clawson totaled seven points and added key stability in the backcourt with two assists and a steal.

After trailing by as many as 18, Delaware State mounted a second-half rally behind the relentless play of Zion Bethea, who scored 14 of his game-high 16 after halftime. The Hornets chipped the deficit down to two on multiple occasions, but the Trojans held firm defensively and responded with timely baskets from Brandon Hilliard, Marcus Jackson, and Amare Wimbush, who all provided needed scoring in the final stretch.

With 21 seconds remaining and VSU clinging to a 60–58 lead, Clawson knocked down the front end of a one-and-one to extend the margin. After a defensive stop, White calmly sank two free throws to seal the 62–58 victory.

Virginia State's bench was a major factor, contributing 25 points and several momentum-swinging defensive plays. Hilliard posted six points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in an all-around performance, while Jackson added five points on a perfect 2-for-2 shooting day.

As a team, the Trojans shot 45.8% from the field and an efficient 9-of-17 from three, outpacing Delaware State's 2-for-13 effort from beyond the arc. VSU also won the turnover battle, forcing 17 Hornet giveaways.