Courtesy of the CIAA
Virginia State (20–9) delivered a complete, composed performance in its CIAA Tournament opener, defeating Lincoln (PA) (10–20) by a 76–60 margin at CFG Bank Arena. Guided by Food Lion Player of the Game Jacob Cooper,who orchestrated the Trojans’ offense with poise and delivered clutch scoring throughout, Virginia State advanced to Friday’s quarterfinal round where they will face the winner of Claflin vs. Bluefield State on February 27 at 2:00 PM.
The opening half showcased high-octane offense on both ends, with ten lead changes and both teams firing confidently from beyond the arc. Lincoln leaned heavily on Julius Olanrewaju, who sparked the Lions early with a pair of threes and nine quick points. His aggressiveness kept the Lions in striking distance as Virginia State found its rhythm.
But as the half progressed, the Trojans’ inside-out balance began to take hold. William Hopkins drained two threes in the game’s opening minutes and later connected on another long-range shot to steady VSU’s scoring. Meanwhile, Davian Coleman controlled the paint, lifting Virginia State with tip-ins, put-backs, and a momentum-shifting dunk midway through the half. The Trojans’ defense began stringing together stops, and a late tip-in from Coleman sent them into halftime with a 39–31 advantage.
The second half belonged to Virginia State from the opening possession.
Cooper set the tone immediately, assisting Coleman on a thunderous dunk and then pushing in transition for a smooth fast-break finish. His relentless pressure at the rim and perfect timing in pick-and-roll situations sparked the Trojans’ most dominant run of the night. Cooper finished with a commanding 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals, carving up the Lions’ defense and dictating tempo throughout the second half.
Lincoln continued to compete behind Olanrewaju, who totaled 19 points and five rebounds, and Ronald Bridges Jr., who added 11, but the Lions’ offense struggled to establish rhythm against VSU’s tightening pressure. The Trojans forced 15 turnovers and held Lincoln to 8-for-37 shooting in the second half, limiting their second-chance production and eliminating the transition looks that kept the game close early.
VSU’s depth also became a key separator.
Tim Uzochuwku delivered 11 points and two steals, converting critical mid-range shots and running the floor effectively. Coleman continued his dominant interior play with 10 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, shutting down multiple Lincoln drives and controlling the glass. Hopkins finished with 15 points, while Jared White, Wimbush, and others provided steady defensive energy.
Every Lincoln push was answered.
When the Lions trimmed the margin to single digits early in the half, Cooper exploded for five straight points, then found Hopkins in transition to restore a comfortable lead. Moments later,
Uzochuwku and Coleman combined on a series of strong finishes inside as the Trojans pushed the advantage to double digits for good.
A late dunk by Amare Wimbush and a tip-in by Uzochuwku punctuated the Trojans’ closing run, sealing the 16-point victory and sending VSU confidently into the next round.
