MURFREESBORO, N.C. — The West Virginia State University men's basketball team earned a thrilling 88-86 victory over Chowan University on Monday night at the Hawks Athletic Center. The game was decided on the final possession, with Jae Slack delivering a buzzer-beating layup to secure the win. The Yellow Jackets, now 2-1 on the season, displayed offensive efficiency by shooting 56% from the field and overcame a late rally by the Hawks to emerge victorious.
Chowan falls to 3-2 on the young season.
West Virginia State shot 56% from the field and 47% from beyond the arc, connecting on nine three-pointers. Slack led the Yellow Jackets with 27 points, including six treys, and grabbed four rebounds. Arthur Cox contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, providing a strong presence in the paint. Aymeric Toussaint and Miguel Martinez combined for 15 points and 12 rebounds, with Toussaint also recording two blocks. The Yellow Jackets capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, shooting 73% (19-of-26), and limited Chowan to 28% shooting from three-point range. Despite 17 turnovers, the Yellow Jackets' balanced attack and composure in key moments secured the win.
The Yellow Jackets started the game with precision, shooting 68% from the field to establish a 44-38 halftime lead. Slack sparked the offense with 10 points, including two three-pointers, while Cox added 8 points through fast-break layups and putbacks.
WVSU opened with a 5-0 run, controlling the tempo with efficient offense and timely defensive stops. Miguel Martinez hit a critical three-pointer late in the half to help maintain the lead. Although Chowan capitalized on turnovers to score 11 points, WVSU's depth and transition play ensured they stayed ahead, heading into the break with a six-point advantage.
In the second half, the Yellow Jackets withstood a late rally from Chowan, highlighted by a dramatic finish. With 16.7 seconds remaining and the score tied at 86, WVSU called a timeout to set up the final play. Jaden Byers drove into the lane, drawing the defense before passing to Slack, who attacked the rim and released his shot just before the buzzer. The ball bounced off the back iron and fell through the net, sealing the victory.
Cox anchored the interior game in the second half, finishing with 15 points and seven rebounds. Toussaint and Martinez provided stability against Chowan's interior attack, combining for 15 points and 12 rebounds. Chowan tied the game late on a basket from Damerius Summers, who led the Hawks with 22 points, but WVSU's composure in the final possession proved decisive.
West Virginia State returns home for its Mountain East Conference opener against Glenville State at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, inside the Walker Convocation Center. The game time was moved up to accommodate the MEC Volleyball Championship being held on campus.
