INSTITUTE, W.Va – The Glenville State Men's Basketball team fell in a back and forth contest on Saturday afternoon at West Virginia State, 82-79. In a game that saw neither team grasp a lead higher than seven points, the Yellow Jackets were able to hold on to a slight late advantage despite a valiant effort by the Pioneers. West Virginia State scored their first conference win of the season (3-1, 1-0 MEC), while Glenville State received their second loss of the season (3-2, 1-1 MEC).
Both teams came to play in their first meeting of the young season, with eight lead changes and a tied score 10 times throughout. Glenville State would start strong, holding a five-point lead at multiple points through the beginning 12 minutes of the first half. West Virginia State, however, would not give in, taking a one-point lead at just below the seven-minute mark. The remainder of the first half followed this trend, with Glenville State remaining within striking distance, resulting in a 39-36 advantage for the Yellow Jackets at halftime.
The beginning of the second half saw an intense duel, with Glenville State reducing the WVSU lead to one multiple times before taking a one-point lead themselves shortly after the 10-minute mark. The next 5 minutes of play had continued jockeying by both teams for the seemingly ungraspable lead with six lead changes in this short period, resulting in a score of 71 for both squads as the clock dwindled below five minutes. WVSU found their groove shortly after, mounting a seven-point lead in just over a minute of play. Glenville State did not fold, clawing back to reduce the lead to one point with five seconds remaining. The Pioneers' labor would ultimately prove unfruitful, as the Yellow Jackets would make two free throws and hold defensively to secure the victory, 82-79.
Final Stats
West Virginia State
The Yellow Jackets utilized an evenly dispersed scoring effort to win with all five starters scoring in double figures. Guard Miguel Martinez topped the team in scoring with 16, also leading in rebounds with seven. Forward Arthur Cox also turned in a solid performance, recording 14 points and six boards while guard Kenyon Giles turned in 12 points and four steals off the bench.
Glenville State
The Pioneers were led by a strong performance from graduate forward Devin Collins, who dropped 24 points to go along with seven rebounds on the day. Redshirt senior guard Ziri Blackwood turned in 15 points off the bench to help the effort. Two freshmen rounded out the double-digit scorers for the Pioneers as guard Ammar Maxell and forward Don Colon-Lewis both turned in 11 points on the day. Redshirt sophomore forward Prince Mosengo led the squad with 11 rebounds with Colon-Lewis grabbing six boards on the day himself.
Up Next For The Pioneers
The Pioneers return home to the Waco Center on Tuesday (Nov. 26) to battle the Charleston Golden Eagles (2-2, 0-0 MEC). First tip is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
