Golden Bulls Edge Blue Bears in College Basketball Matchup

JC Smith men's team wins rematch against Livingstone in close contest

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The JC Smith Golden Bulls men's basketball team defeated the Livingstone Blue Bears 77-69 in a close game played in Salisbury, North Carolina. The Golden Bulls, who had previously won by 18 points in Charlotte, faced a tougher challenge in the rematch but ultimately prevailed thanks to a 23-13 advantage in turnovers.

Why it matters

This game was an important conference matchup between two local rivals, with the Golden Bulls looking to sweep the season series against the Blue Bears. The close nature of the game and the teams' contrasting performances highlight the competitive nature of college basketball in the region.

The details

The game was tied with 14 minutes remaining when the Golden Bulls went on a 10-0 run to take control. Livingstone made several attempts to get back into the game, closing the gap to one point on multiple occasions, but could not complete the comeback. JC Smith's Trey Pettigrew led all scorers with 27 points, while Livingstone's James Nipper had 19 points in the losing effort.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Golden Bulls had previously defeated the Blue Bears by 18 points on February 4, 2026.

The players

Trey Pettigrew

The leading scorer for the JC Smith Golden Bulls, who had 27 points in the game.

James Nipper

The top scorer for the Livingstone Blue Bears, with 19 points in the losing effort.

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The takeaway

This game showcased the intense rivalry between the JC Smith Golden Bulls and Livingstone Blue Bears, with the Golden Bulls narrowly edging out the Blue Bears in a hard-fought conference matchup. The outcome highlights the parity and competitiveness within the local college basketball landscape.