title image via SaniyahShoots
Courtesy of Virginia State Athletics
56
Chey
97
Winner VS
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chey | 26 | 30 | 56 |
| VS | 44 | 53 | 97 |
In a thrilling college basketball game that showcased impressive performances on both ends of the court, Virginia State emerged victorious over Cheyney with a commanding 44-26 win.
The game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, with several missed shots and turnovers marking the early stages. At 19:23, Cheyney’s Joshua Blackmon hit a jumper to give his team a 2-0 lead, but Virginia State responded quickly. Jared White’s layup for Virginia State put the visiting team ahead at 17:56, and Clint Wright Jr. added a couple of baskets, contributing to Virginia State’s early lead.
Throughout the first half, the game’s pace was fast, but both teams failed to capitalize on opportunities as missed shots and rebounds continued to pile up. Virginia State’s defense proved effective, forcing Cheyney into several turnovers while maintaining offensive efficiency with key plays from Wright Jr. and White.
On the other side, Cheyney responded with some strong plays, notably from Isaiah Alston and Lake D’Angelo. Alston’s fast-break layup, combined with D’Angelo’s 3-pointer, narrowed the gap to 13-11, showing Cheyney’s resilience and determination. Despite the efforts from Cheyney’s offense, Virginia State’s defense continued to dominate, and the visitors gradually built a commanding lead.
As the second half started Virginia State wasted no time in establishing their dominance. Daryl Mackey Jr. and Jayson Harris led the charge early with impressive layups and strong post moves, helping the away team race to a quick lead. At the 19:38 mark, Mackey’s layup, assisted by Jacob Cooper,extended Virginia State’s lead to 46-26.
Cheyney showed moments of fight, particularly from Jalen Long, who hit a clutch 3-pointer at 18:37, reducing the deficit to 48-29. Long and teammate Clyde Frasier kept pushing offensively, with Long adding another basket and Frasier hitting a 3-pointer at 15:22. However, despite the effort, Cheyney could not match the offensive firepower of Virginia State, as they were outpaced at both ends of the floor.
In the final moments of the game, Virginia State extended their lead further, with fast break opportunities and efficient scoring from players like Jaedan Jefferson and James Prescott. The score ballooned to 91-56 by the final two minutes, and Virginia State sealed their victory at 97-56 with a final free throw from SeYe Madior in the closing seconds
