Virginia State Triumphs in Thrilling 2025 CIAA Men's Basketball Tournament


Baltimore, MD - The Virginia State men's basketball team competed in the 2024-2025 CIAA Basketball Championship game and came out victorious on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 4 pm. 


The game began with an electrifying dunk from Shainen Carter of Bluefield State, energizing the crowd and giving his team an early advantage. Virginia State quickly responded with a sharp three-pointer from Clint Wright Jr., but Bluefield State wasn't backing down. They surged ahead with a fantastic mix of precise shooting and relentless defense.

Carter delivered several jaw-dropping dunks, while Terrell Williams showcased his shooting skills with a series of smooth jumpers. Bluefield State began to pull away, highlighted by a critical three-pointer from Jordan Hinds and a clever tip-in from Carter. However, Virginia State refused to crumble, rallying with impressive three-pointers and clutch plays from Wright Jr. and DaJour Rucker to maintain the pressure.

As the clock ticked down to the three-minute mark of the first half, Bluefield State held a tense 23–20 lead. The intensity grew in the second half, with Virginia State launching fast breaks and executing layups in their bid to reclaim the lead. Yet, Bluefield State countered fiercely, with Williams, Carter, and Hinds stepping up with crucial plays.

Just when Bluefield State thought they had regained control, Virginia State found a way to tie the game and briefly took a slender lead. In those gripping final moments, Virginia State maintained their slim advantage, with Cooper Jacob hitting a vital layup. Meanwhile, Bluefield State struggled to find the basket, missing several key shots, including a critical three-pointer attempt by Williams.

With the clock winding down, the atmosphere was electric, and at halftime, Virginia State clung to a narrow 36–35 lead going into the second half.

The second half kicked off with an energetic flurry of substitutions and some early missed shots, highlighted by a jumper from DaJour Rucker for Virginia State. Slowly, Virginia State seized a slight advantage as Jacob Cooper made his way to the basket and sank some free throws, putting them ahead 39-35.

But Bluefield State wasn't going down without a fight. Jordan Hinds ignited the crowd with a fast-break layup, narrowing the gap to 39-37. Virginia State responded fiercely, with Daryl Mackey Jr. and Cooper dominating inside the paint, extending their lead to 44-39. However, Bluefield State stayed close, with Terrell Williams and Larry Howell contributing valuable baskets to keep the scoreboard tight.

Cooper continued to score for Virginia State, but the momentum briefly shifted when Hinds drained a jumper, allowing Bluefield State to steal the lead at 54-53. With just under six minutes left, the tension soared as Virginia State answered back with crucial shots from Jefferson Jaedan and White Jared, culminating in a pivotal three-pointer from White that pushed them ahead 66-62.

Bluefield State fought valiantly, with Shainen Carter electrifying the crowd with a powerful dunk and Larry Howell sinking a three-pointer. Yet, Virginia State held firm, refusing to relinquish their lead. With under two minutes to go, they stretched their advantage to 69-62 after Clint Wright Jr. made a fast-break three-pointer, sending the fans into a frenzy.

Despite Bluefield State's relentless efforts, including missed key shots from Aquino and Hinds, they couldn't close the gap. Virginia State secured their victory by converting free throws in the closing moments, sealing the game with a final score of 71-64. It was indeed a thrilling battle on the court!


The Trojans will be watching the NCAA selection show to see where they will be placed on March 9, 2025, at 11 pm.