BALTIMORE, MD — February 25, 2026 — Bluefield State (14–14) leaned on its defensive physicality and a poised all-around performance from Food Lion Player of the Game Myles Pierre to defeat Winston-Salem State (7–19) 65–55 in the men’s opening round of the 2026 CIAA Basketball Tournament at CFG Bank Arena. The Big Blue advance to face Claflin on Thursday, February 26 at 2:00 PM.

Bluefield State seized control early with disciplined defense and steady scoring from its veteran guards. Pierre set the tone with 14 points, three assists, and three steals, impacting every phase of the game while guiding the offense through long stretches of half-court execution. His early free throws and assertiveness attacking the lane helped Bluefield build a 36–22 halftime lead, while the Big Blue defense limited the Rams to just eight made field goals in the opening period.

Anthony Davenport played a major role in that first-half surge, contributing 12 points and six rebounds, while stretching Winston-Salem State’s defense with timely three-point shooting. Bluefield State’s frontcourt dominance also emerged early, especially through Sila Tako, whose interior presence gave the Big Blue valuable second-chance opportunities and scoring around the rim. Tako finished with 11 points and seven rebounds off the bench, punishing the Rams with his efficiency and physicality.

Winston-Salem State relied heavily on the shot-making of Tyre Boykin, who produced a game-high 15 points, while Lance Gill and Khyelle Ingram combined for 25 more. The Rams shot nearly 47 percent from the field for the afternoon and outscored Bluefield State 33–29 in the second half, but they struggled to overcome turnovers and long scoring droughts that allowed the Big Blue to maintain a multi-possession lead throughout.

Winston-Salem State attempted a strong push midway through the second half, sparked by Boykin’s drives and Gill’s perimeter shooting. Back-to-back baskets cut the Bluefield State lead to single digits with under eight minutes to play, but each time the Rams surged, Pierre steadied Bluefield’s offense with patient playmaking. A key sequence came with just over five minutes remaining, when Pierre attacked the paint for a tough finish, then found Warren Mouganda in transition to restore a double-digit cushion.

Bluefield State’s defense sealed the outcome in the final minutes. The Big Blue forced 17 Winston-Salem State turnovers and converted them into 19 points, including two late steals by Pierre that halted any hopes of a comeback. Ellija Preddy added seven assists and three steals while controlling the tempo, and Anthony Latty delivered a strong interior performance with 10 rebounds and six points.

Despite the Rams’ late surge, Bluefield State’s defensive rebounding and composure at the free-throw line helped secure the program’s 14th win of the season and a spot in the CIAA quarterfinals.

For full schedules and coverage of the 2026 CIAA Tournament, visit ciaatournament.org.