BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — West Virginia State men's basketball (5-5, 3-3 MEC) fell to Bluefield State (7-3, 1-0 CIAA), 112-106, in a high-scoring non-conference matchup on Tuesday night at Ned Shott Gymnasium. The loss marks WVSU's first defeat to Bluefield since an overtime setback on Feb. 21, 2013, and only the fourth in the history of the series.

Freshman guard Kenyon Giles was a standout for the Yellow Jackets, setting career highs in points (31), field goals made (10), three-pointers made (4), free throws made (7), and minutes played (21). His efficient offensive effort highlighted an impressive individual performance.

WVSU started the game on fire, shooting 61% from the field and building a commanding lead. The Yellow Jackets' high-octane offense, led by Giles and Jae Slack, who combined for 24 points, helped the visitors rack up 55 first-half points. WVSU's defensive pressure and transition play also stifled Bluefield State early, allowing them to take a 55-42 lead into the break.

The game shifted dramatically in the second half as Bluefield State found their rhythm and used a relentless transition game to claw back into contention. The Big Blue outscored WVSU 70-51 in the final 20 minutes, fueled by 25 fast-break points and a dominant 68 points in the paint for the game. Bluefield State capitalized on WVSU's 25 turnovers, turning them into 36 points. Despite a strong rebounding effort, with WVSU holding a 37-26 edge on the glass, the Yellow Jackets couldn't stop the Big Blue's offensive onslaught in the closing minutes.

Giles led all scorers with 31 points, while Slack added 17 points and 4 rebounds. Nate Mims was just shy of a double-double with nine points and 14 rebounds, and Jacob Rice contributed 9 points and 3 blocks. WVSU dominated the glass with 37 rebounds to Bluefield State's 26, but the Big Blue's 68 points in the paint proved decisive.

The Yellow Jackets will look to regroup as they resume action following the holiday break on the road against Gannon University on Jan. 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM.