Virginia State Wins HBCU Basketball Tournament Championship

Trojans rally in second half to defeat Bluefield State 69-66

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with overlapping shapes and planes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conveying the intensity and movement of the sport.The Virginia State Trojans' championship victory showcases the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of HBCU basketball programs.Bluefield Today

Virginia State University's men's basketball team used a balanced scoring effort and a late surge to outlast Bluefield State College and win the Black College Invitational Championship game on Saturday. After trailing at halftime, the Trojans outscored Bluefield State 41-30 in the second half to secure a 69-66 victory.

Why it matters

This championship win is a significant accomplishment for the Virginia State Trojans, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure against a tough opponent. HBCU basketball tournaments provide important platforms for these institutions to showcase their athletic talent and community pride.

The details

Virginia State was led by Jacob Cooper's 29 points, seven assists, and three steals, while Jared Clawson added nine points and a team-high eight rebounds. Davian Coleman chipped in nine points and five rebounds, and Amare Wimbush provided nine points off the bench. Bluefield State was paced by Ellija Preddy's 20 points, Myles Pierre's 12 points, and Anthony Davenport's 10 points, but Virginia State's defense tightened in the final minutes to secure the victory.

  • The championship game was played on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Jacob Cooper

A key player for the Virginia State Trojans, scoring 29 points, dishing out 7 assists, and recording 3 steals in the championship game.

Jared Clawson

A Virginia State Trojans player who contributed 9 points and a team-high 8 rebounds in the championship game.

Ellija Preddy

A Bluefield State player who led his team with 20 points in the championship game.

Virginia State University

The HBCU that won the Black College Invitational Championship game.

Bluefield State College

The HBCU that was defeated by Virginia State in the championship game.

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The takeaway

This championship win for the Virginia State Trojans demonstrates the high level of talent and competitiveness within HBCU basketball programs. The ability of these student-athletes to perform under pressure and lead their team to victory is a testament to the importance of HBCU athletics in fostering community pride and providing opportunities for young people.