ATHENS, W.Va. — A last-second trip to the free-throw line proved decisive Tuesday night as Concord edged West Virginia State 84–81 in a tightly contested Mountain East Conference matchup at the Carter Center. The victory, secured by Boubacar Djigo’s clutch free throws with no time remaining, gives Concord a 14–13 overall record and a 10–9 mark in conference play.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the second half. West Virginia State, despite falling behind early, battled back from a halftime deficit, tying the score multiple times. But, Concord’s ability to capitalize at the free-throw line in the final moments ultimately sealed the win. This contest highlighted the competitive nature of the Mountain East Conference, where every possession matters.
First-Half Shooting Propels Concord
Concord established an early advantage, shooting an impressive 8-of-15 from three-point range in the first half, according to game statistics. This strong shooting performance helped them build a 45–41 lead at the break. West Virginia State countered by focusing on attacking the paint and drawing fouls, finishing the night with 38 points in the paint and converting 20 of 26 free-throw attempts – an impressive 76.9% from the line, as reported by the West Virginia State Athletics website.
Second-Half Rally Falls Short for Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets emerged from halftime with renewed energy, quickly erasing the deficit. They tied the game at 54–54 with 14:27 left and again at 68–68 on a three-pointer from Trey Harris at the 9:30 mark. Despite their efforts, West Virginia State struggled to take the lead, missing a crucial shot with 30 seconds remaining. A subsequent foul on a rebound attempt set the stage for Djigo’s game-winning free throws.
Jaylen Subject led West Virginia State with a strong performance, scoring 25 points and adding two blocks and two steals. Harris contributed 22 points and six rebounds, even as Andrew Shull added 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Bryson Smith chipped in with eight points and a remarkable four steals. For Concord, Djigo dominated with 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Josiah Rickards knocked down five three-pointers for 17 points, and Anfernee Hanna added 18.
Looking Ahead for West Virginia State
West Virginia State (8–19, 4–15 MEC) will appear to rebound as they host the University of Charleston on Saturday, February 28, at 4:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on 107.3 The Beat. This final regular-season game presents an opportunity for the Yellow Jackets to finish the season strong and build momentum for the future. The University of Charleston game represents a final chance for West Virginia State to improve their standing in the Mountain East Conference.
Concord’s victory demonstrates their resilience and ability to close out games under pressure. The team’s strong shooting and rebounding, led by Djigo, proved to be the difference in a closely contested matchup. The Mountain East Conference continues to showcase competitive basketball, and fans can expect more exciting games as the season progresses.
The outcome of Saturday’s game against Charleston will be crucial for West Virginia State as they conclude their regular season. Fans are encouraged to support the team and witness the final game of the season at the Carter Center.
Share your thoughts on the game and predictions for Saturday’s matchup in the comments below!
