BALTIMORE, MD. - Virginia State took on Bluefield State to conclude the 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament Saturday evening. The game was a back-and-forth affair that was filled with excitement, however the Trojans found themselves on top and would go on to claim their first title since 2019, defeating the Big Blue 71-64.
The Trojans found themselves trailing early, as a bevy of made baskets by CIAA Player of the Year Jordan Hinds gave Bluefield State an early lead by as much as seven points. Later in the first half, VSU put together a 14-4 run that saw them tie the game and ultimately take the lead, capped off by a pair of made free throws by Jacob Cooper that put them up by three.
Hinds hit a jumpshot to cut the deficit to one, which would be carried into halftime.
Cooper, who tied for a game-high 16 points sank a jumper and the and-one free throw to commence the second half and put VSU up by four. The Big Blue's well-balanced offensive attack shined bright and helped keep the score close, drilling well-timed shots and coming up with steals on the defensive side. Terrell Williams helped pace Bluefield State's offensive attack as he also had 16 points to go along with six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. His presence in the paint continued to keep VSU on its heels.
BSU's Larry Howell netted a pair of shots to put the Big Blue back on top which would grow as large as five but the Trojans refused to quit. The next three possessions would see Virginia State's defense lock down the Big Blue while taking advantage of the fast break to connect on three straight layups including two by Jaedan Jefferson to pull ahead by one.
VSU's lead would continue to grow and the Big Blue were unable to re-gain the lead, as the Trojans went on to claim the title.
2025 Food Lion Men's Championship MVP
Jacob Cooper (Virginia State University)
2025 CIAA Men's Tournament MVP
Jacob Cooper (Virginia State University)
2025 CIAA Men's All-Tournament Team
Elijah Davis, Bowie State University
Rell Williams, Bluefield State University
KeySean Smith, Virginia Union University
Jared White, Virginia State University
Peter Sorber, Lincoln University (PA)
Jordan Hinds, Bluefield State University
Jacob Cooper, Virginia State University
Dericko Williams, Elizabeth City State University
Shainen Carter, Bluefield State University
Jamauri Bryant, Johnson C. Smith University
2025 CIAA Men's Team Sportsmanship Award
Virginia State University