Shaw Goes Cold Late Against Bluefield State

BLUEFIELD, W.V. – The Shaw University men’s basketball team dropped a non-conference matchup on the road to Bluefield State College Wednesday evening, 92-81 inside Shott Gym in Bluefield, W.V.

With the loss, Shaw falls to 4-15 on the season while Bluefield State improves to 9-8 on the season, winning its fourth straight. The Bears shot well above their season average finishing at 48-percent, hitting 30-of-62 shots from the floor including 11-28 from beyond the arc 39-percent.

The first half started with both teams trading baskets before Bluefield State pulled ahead 22-13 with 12 minutes left in the half. Shaw responded with a 10-3 run to trim the Big Blue lead to 25-23. The Bears fell behind seven at 30-23 before going on an 11-0 run to pull ahead 34-30. Both teams battled during the final minutes to a 36-all tie at the half.

Shaw opened multiple six points lead during the early stage of the second half with the latter being 51-45 with 14:07 remaining. Bluefield State regained the lead at 54-53 fueled by a Shaw scoring drought at the 12:38 mark. Senior guard Greyson Kelley (Raleigh, NC) tied the contest at 66-all with a free throw with 7:30 left.

Another drought would prove costly as the Bears fell behind nine at 83-74 with four minutes left and were unable to get any closer dropping their 11th-straight contest.

Kelley paced the Bears with 28 points finishing 9-16 from the floor and 9-10 from the charity stripe. Senior guard DaVaughn Kelsie (Richmond, VA) followed with 22 points going 6-13 from beyond the arc while Zhahidi Robinson led Bluefield State with 19 points.

The Bears return to action Saturday, Jan. 25 as they travel to crosstown rival Saint Augustine’s University for conference division matchup. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, please visit www.shawbears.com.

Written by Antoine Lynce, Shaw Athletics Media Specialist

(Feature image courtesy of Donald Watkins)