Livingstone College Athletics

Blue Bears claims victory over West Virginia State, 83-81

Institute, WV - Junior guard Roger Ray scored 14 second-half points, helping the Livingstone College men's basketball team to an 83-81 road win at West Virginia State in the Earl Lloyd Classic on Saturday afternoon.

LC (1-1) and West Virginia State (1-1) had a close battle throughout the game, with neither team leading by more than six points.

In the first half, WVSU gained the six-point cushion at the 16:45 mark when WVSU's Gus Stone connected on a three pointer, putting the Yellow Jackets ahead 8-2.  Later in the half, LC would answer by taking the one-point lead (24-23) after a layup from Jalon Lewis.  WVSU would push their lead back to 37-31 but the Blue Bears fought back again, cutting the gap to tie the game at 38-38 all, when Malik Smith drilled a three-pointer with five seconds before the half. 

As a team, LC shot 50.8% from the field on a 31-of-61 effort and was 6-of-10 from distance.  LC was also efficient from the free throw line, finishing 15 of 19 for a 78.9% clip.  LC also outworked the Yellow Jackets in the inside, finishing with a 50-30 advantage of points in the paint.

There were 11 lead changes and the score was tied eight time. In the second half both teams traded baskets.
WVSU scored with 1:27 making the score 78-77 in favor of the Yellow Jackets. LC last basket came at the 1:10 mark.  The Blue Bears made their final four points from the charity stripe to seal the victory on the night, before WVSU's Gus Stone final three pointer of the night, making the score 83-81.

Ray led all LC scorers with 20 points.  Sophomore Lydell Elmore had 15 while Malik Smith and Damante McNeill each had 11. Rounding out the double-digit scorers for LC was sophomore forward Navar Elmore, as he finished with 10.

The Blue Bears will return home to open the home season at New Trent Gym on Wednesday, November 14, as they host Morris College. Tip-Off is set for 7:30 p.m.