INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State (5-12,2-8 MEC) stayed within striking distance through the opening 20 minutes Wednesday night, but a decisive second-half stretch allowed Glenville State (10-7,5-5 MEC) to pull away for an 88–71 decision in Mountain East Conference action inside the Walker Convocation Center.

Prior to tipoff, West Virginia State honored the life and legacy of Ishmael Smith, whose No. 8 jersey was officially retired during a pregame ceremony. Smith passed away on Dec. 14, 2025, and a banner bearing his number was unveiled as teammates, family members and supporters looked on.

West Virginia State trailed by just three at the break, 39–36, after matching Glenville State from the perimeter in the opening half. The Yellow Jackets connected on six three-pointers before halftime and forced eight turnovers, keeping the game tight despite Glenville State's rebounding edge.

The game turned in the second half as West Virginia State went more than six minutes without a field goal late. The Yellow Jackets remained on the scoreboard during that stretch by converting five free throws, but the Yellow Jackets were outscored 16-6 during the stretch.

Norris Bourne Jr. led the Yellow Jackets with 16 points, while Trey Harris added 15 points, six rebounds and three steals. Shull finished with 14 points on four made three-pointers, and Subject contributed 11 points and seven rebounds off the bench. West Virginia State ended the night 12-of-32 from beyond the arc but was held to 32 total rebounds.

Glenville State was paced by Elijah Redfern's game-high 31 points, with Don Colon-Lewis and Ammar Maxwell adding 14 points apiece as the Pioneers maintained separation down the stretch.

WVSU will head to Charleston for the first game in this season's Kanawha River Classic on Saturday, Jan. 24. Tipoff is currently scheduled for 4:00 p.m.