Since 1907, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament has maintained its status as an event that features some of the best basketball that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have to offer. This year’s edition, hosted in Baltimore, was no different.
In the end, it was the Virginia State men’s basketball team that pulled out a hard-fought 71-64 victory over Bluefield State. On the women’s side, Fayetteville State defeated Virginia State, 64-56, in the finals.
For the Virginia State men (21-8, 13-3 CIAA), it was especially sweet. The Trojans had not won the coveted title since the 2018-19 season.
Bluefield State held a slim lead through most of the game and took a 36-35 edge to the locker room at the half.
During the tense second half, the two teams battled back and forth as neither would allow a significant run. That is until the Trojans turned to the defense and were limited to only one field goal during a key three-minute stretch to open the biggest lead of the game, 69-62, with just under two minutes remaining.
Bluefield (19-11, 10-6 CIAA) made a valiant attempt to close the deficit, but the Virginia State defense kept them at bay and closed out with a free throw to secure the win.
The Big Blue came into the game with a five-game win streak after posting wins over Johnson C. Smith (84-69) and Fayetteville State (71-65) in the semifinals.
The Trojans (21-8, 13-3 CIAA) had an eight-game win streak after wins over Bowie State (78-72) and Lincoln (66-57) in the semifinals.
The Trojans were led by Jacob Cooper (16 points), Jared White (11 points), and Clint Wright, Jr., and Jayson Harris, each with nine points, to help the balanced attack.
Bluefield State was paced by Rell Williams (16 points), Larry Howell (15 points), Shainen Carter and Jordan Head with 14 points and 12 points, respectively.
While the university is certainly celebrating the major win, the last message posted to the institution’s social media acknowledged the tragic death of Angie Stone.
“Our Trojan Community mourns the tragic death of Grammy Award-Winning Singer Ms. Angie Stone, who died in a car accident while en route to perform at the CIAA,” Virginia State wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Fayetteville State Defeats Virginia State in Women’s Finals
In the women’s game, the Fayetteville State University Broncos used the formula they have used all season: stifling defense and some deft three-point shooting. It was the same as the year before when Fayetteville State captured the crown.
Fayetteville State was (21-7, 13-3 CIAA) led by standout performances from Keayna McLaughlin and Talia Trotter, each contributing 15 points. McLaughlin, who was named the Food Lion MVP of the Game, also added eight rebounds and three steals. Trotter filled the stat sheet with six rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.
Junior Nyah Wilkins was named the CIAA Tournament MVP after averaging nine points and 6.7 rebounds over three games. She was a major factor in the team’s victory over Bluefield State with 12 points, six rebounds and two steals. Even more of a factor with a double-double against Virginia Union. She produced 11 points, 10 rebounds and an assist. Wilkins and McLaughlin were both named to the CIAA All-Tournament Team.
Last season, Fayetteville won the title, recording an impressive 29-3 record and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs, making it to the Sweet 16.
Fayetteville State’s defense was a key factor in the win, holding Virginia State to just 14.3% shooting from beyond the arc. The Broncos also forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 13 points.
McLaughlin’s three steals were instrumental in disrupting the Trojans’ offense. Offensively, Fayetteville State kept the Trojans off balance all day with its three-point shooting. The Broncos connected on eight for the game.
The experienced Broncos were led by Trotter (15 points and six rebounds) and McLaughlin (15 points and eight rebounds), who combined for 30 points and 14 rebounds.
Virginia State was paced by Amesha Miller, who led all scorers with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Virginia State and Fayetteville State await their future when the selections for the NCAA Division 2 tournament are announced Saturday (March 8).
“When you repeat, there are a lot of things that come into play,”‘ explained Fayetteville State head coach Tyreece Brown, in his second full season at the helm. “It all starts with the team and their commitment to this program and its success. From the day after last year, they have focused on getting back to the tournament.”