INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- West Virginia State led all but the first 52 seconds of the game when the score was 0-0 in an 88-73 victory over Frostburg State. State led by as much as 35 points at the halfway point of the second half. The Bobcats were 3-for-27 from long range at one point before hitting three of their final five long distance shots to end the game 6-for-32.

Kenyon Giles led WVSU (10-10, 7-7 MEC) with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, 3-of-6 from downtown and 2-of-2 from the charity striple. Nate Mims added 15 points and Jae Slack contributed a douple-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

For Frostburg State (9-12, 6-8 MEC), Eric Sondberg led all scorers with 27 points, 21 of those points coming in the second half.

West Virginia State took control early, jumping out to a strong lead behind efficient shooting and aggressive defense. Kenyon Giles and Jae Slack led the charge, hitting key three-pointers and attacking the basket. WVSU capitalized on Frostburg State's poor shooting, as FSU struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 22.9% from the field and 10.5% from three-point range in the first half.

FSU managed to stay within reach thanks to their efforts in second-chance points and free throws, going 6-of-7 from the line. However, they struggled with turnovers, committing nine in the first half.

On the other hand, WVSU executed well in transition and inside the paint, leading to a 13-point halftime advantage (37-24). The Yellow Jackets out-rebounded FSU and took advantage of their 11 points off turnovers, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

West Virginia State (WVSU) came out strong after halftime, extending their lead to as much as 35 points with dominant scoring inside and efficient transition play. The Yellow Jackets continued their success in the paint, eventually finishing with 50 points inside and 19 fast-break points, making it difficult for Frostburg State (FSU) to mount a response.

However, FSU refused to go down without a fight. Led by Eric Sondberg's 27 points and Jaden Baker's 14 points, they caught fire midway through the second half, going on a 10-0 scoring run to cut into the deficit. Their shooting vastly improved from the first half, jumping to 47.5% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range after struggling early.

Despite FSU's improved offensive effort, WVSU remained in control, never allowing them to come within striking distance. The Yellow Jackets' bench outscored FSU's 26-20, and their defensive pressure resulted in 16 points off turnovers, keeping the Bobcats from gaining momentum.

WVSU's 50% second-half shooting and consistent execution sealed the victory, closing out an 88-73 win without ever trailing in the game.