By Maliik Obee
Special to the AFRO

The men’s bracket of the 2024 CIAA Tournament kicked off on Feb. 26 with sixth-seed Bluefield State knocking off seventh-seed St. Augustine’s 50-48 in a late come-from-behind win.

The Falcons controlled the pace of the contest early, thanks to some sticky defense and 24-combined points from guard Jawan Browder and forward Nate Youngblood. St. Augustine climbed to a 10-point lead at the half, with a 32-22 lead. The Falcons restricted Bluefield to just 8 of 26 shooting in the first half to gain a comfortable lead, despite turning the ball over 14 times.

Bluefield opened the second half by chopping the lead, thanks to All-CIAA guard Jordan Hinds, who recorded his fourth 20-plus-point game (24) in his last five contests. Despite out-rebounding Bluefield 37 to 27, the Falcons went 6-20 from the field in the second half, making 1 of 8 three point attempts and going 3-for-9 from the free throw line. 

All-CIAA Rookie Team guard Traveon Cooper was Bluefield State’s second-leading scorer, chipping in 12 points as the only-other Big Blue player in double-digits. With guard Jordan Love struggling from the field (4-15) the Falcons didn’t have enough help for Browder (21 points) to maintain the lead and the win.

On Feb. 28, the Big Blues will take on the defending-CIAA Champion Winston Salem State Rams at 10 a.m., on ESPN Plus, as they look to extend their tournament stay.

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