BALTIMORE, MD — February 24, 2026 — Livingstone College (9–19) flipped a sluggish start into a statement finish, outscoring Elizabeth City State (5–21) 26–8 in the fourth quarter to win 59–46 in the opening round of the CIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at CFG Bank Arena. Powered by Food Lion Player of the Game Nielle Reaves, the Blue Bears advanced to face #1 Northern seed Bowie State on Wednesday, February 25 at 4:30 PM, live on ESPN+.

Elizabeth City State seized command early with a 16–3 first quarter built on five made threes and disruptive perimeter defense. Tionna Pettus buried two early triples and finished with 12 points, while Kailyn Young and Naja Ngongba each added 10 to pace the Vikings’ attack. The Vikings’ early pace and spacing put Livingstone on its heels and forced tough, contested looks as the Blue Bears shot just 1-for-20 in the opening period.

Livingstone found its footing in the second quarter by tightening its half-court defense and owning the glass. Reaves established control on the interior and powered a 20-point frame that erased the deficit, ultimately posting 17 points and 10 rebounds. Her work on second-chance opportunities and rugged finishing through contact changed the tone of the morning. Off the bench, Damaria Moree’s downhill pressure produced 15 points, including 7-for-9 at the line, and Boston Bates steadied the Blue Bears with 12 points and late free throws.

The third quarter became a tug-of-war, with Elizabeth City State briefly reclaiming rhythm behind Pettus and Ngongba. Livingstone’s response came from its size and persistence on the glass. The Blue Bears’ 55–29 rebounding edge and 22 second-chance points kept possessions alive and gradually tilted momentum toward the home bench. Breasia Coit and Ny’Asia Green combined for 23 rebounds, repeatedly sealing off the lane and wiping out second looks that had fueled the Vikings early.

Livingstone’s decisive push arrived in the fourth. Reaves muscled through traffic for go-ahead finishes, Moree sped out in transition for pivotal layups, and Coit’s anticipation produced timely steals that turned into points. Bates closed possessions with composed free-throw shooting, and Green’s contests on the perimeter neutralized Elizabeth City State’s early three-point success. The Vikings, so sharp from deep in the first quarter, went cold late, finishing 3-for-16 from the field and 0-for-7 from three in the final period as Livingstone’s pressure forced hurried decisions and one-and-done trips.

By the final horn, the Blue Bears had authored a comprehensive turnaround: they overcame a 13-point first-quarter hole, dominated the glass, and controlled the fourth quarter on both ends to punch their ticket to the next round against Bowie State.

For complete schedules, scores, and tournament coverage, visit ciaatournament.org.