Virginia State claimed its first CIAA men’s basketball championship since 2019 with a 71-64 victory over Bluefield State in the 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore.

The Trojans fell behind early as CIAA Player of the Year Jordan Hinds led Bluefield State to a seven-point advantage.

Virginia State responded with a 14-4 run, tying the game before Jacob Cooper sank two free throws to give the Trojans a 3-point lead. Hinds answered with a jumper just before halftime, cutting the deficit to 36-35.

Cooper, who finished with a game-high 16 points, opened the second half with a jumper and an and-one free throw to extend the lead to four. Bluefield State’s balanced offense kept the game close, with Terrell Williams contributing 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. His presence in the paint kept Virginia State on edge as Larry Howell’s baskets helped the Big Blue regain the lead, growing their advantage to five.

Virginia State tightened its defense and capitalized on the fast break, scoring three consecutive layups, including two from Jaedan Jefferson, to pull ahead by one. The Trojans never trailed again, fending off Bluefield State’s late push and sealing the win at the free-throw line.

Also at the annual tournament, Virginia State’s Jacob Cooper and Jared White were named to the 2025 CIAA Men’s All-Tournament Team, while Virginia Union’s KeySean Smith also earned a spot on the list. The Trojans also were recognized with the 2025 CIAA Men’s Team Sportsmanship Award. 

Virginia State now turns its focus to the NCAA tournament, awaiting its seeding in the selection show 11 p.m., March 9.