INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The West Virginia State University men's basketball team triumphed over Notre Dame College, 97-90, on Saturday afternoon at the Walker Convocation Center. The win came at a critical juncture for the Yellow Jackets with the first regional rankings from the NCAA being released last week. West Virginia State was ranked seventh in the Atlantic Region (top eight teams qualify for the NCAA Division II Tournament) before a tough road loss to Urbana and now a huge victory over Notre Dame.
Seven seniors were recognized prior to the opening tip since this was their last home game as a Yellow Jacket. Among them were Frank Agyemang, Kalik Ross, Jayson Hankins, Michal Seals, Isaiah Noel, Carmearl Thomas, and James Hagins.
"I'm really proud of this group of seniors and it's great for them to be able to go out with a win in their last game at the Walker Center," said Head Coach Bryan Poore.
With the win on Senior Day, West Virginia State improves to 18-7 overall and 13-7 in the Mountain East Conference. The Yellow Jackets are currently ranked fourth in the league standings. Meanwhile, Notre Dame falls to 9-17 on the season and 7-13 in the MEC with the loss.
Senior guard Michal Seals delivered with his last performance in front of the home crowd. He recorded 24 points, six assists, three boards, and two steals in his home finale. Junior Glen Abram delivered as well with a game-high 28 points, including four treys. Another senior, Isaiah Noel, topped the stat sheet with 10 points and six rebounds in his home farewell.
The Falcons pushed ahead early, grabbing a 14-5 lead in the opening five minutes. West Virginia State quickly responded with an 11-2 run that left the game tied at 16-apiece with 11:14 remaining in the first half. From that point forward, neither team was able to gain ground on the other. At the halftime buzzer, the score was deadlocked at 37-all.
The Yellow Jackets started out the second half on a 12-2 run that was bookended by a couple of three-pointers from Seals. West Virginia State led by 10 points, 49-39, with around 16-and-a-half minutes left to play at the conclusion of the stretch.
Notre Dame got on a roll in the next five minutes with a 19-9 run that tied up the game once again, 58-58. The complex of the contest then completely shifted over the following four minutes of action.
The Yellow Jackets absolutely erupted on a 17-3 run that began with an emphatic dunk from Hagins that was assisted by Noel. Seals followed suit with a steal and ensuing fastbreak layup. Noel finished off the senior-orchestrated surge with his own fastbreak layup that was fed by Seals. West Virginia State seized a 14-point advantage, 75-61, at the end of the stretch.
With approximately four minutes to go, the Yellow Jackets increased their advantage to 19 points, 89-70. The Falcons did their best to get back within six points of West Virginia State, 94-88, with 30 ticks on the clock. Senior leader Michal Seals was fittingly sent to the foul line to make both of his free throws and ensure the victory.
The Yellow Jackets forced 16 turnovers and scored 25 points off those turnovers to get the edge. On the other hand, Notre Dame scored just 12 points off nine turnovers.
West Virginia State will travel to Concord (10-16, 7-13 MEC) for its next game on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
