Golden Eagles vs. Bluefield State Highlights                      (Video by Maggie Lampe)

The Golden Eagles just couldn't match the size, speed and decided height advantage of visiting Bluefield State College on Tuesday night as they fell 87-58 on their home floor.

The NCAA D-II, Big Blues, scored the first four points of the game and applied full court pressure all night long as they bolted to a 46-31 halftime lead. Early in the half the Navy and Gold trailed 15-5, but they mustered their way to nine straight points to cut the deficit to 15-14.

Bluefield State answered the Kent State Tusc charge and went on a 12-0 tear to grab a 27-15 lead. The Eagles steadied themselves a bit climbing to within 27-24, but things would sour as BSC closed the half with a 19-7 run taking a 15-point lead into the locker room.

Everybody got in the act for the Blues in the second half, as 12 players cracked the scoring column.

They opened the final 20 minutes how they started the game, by scoring the first six points and eventually taking command by clogging passing lanes and contesting every shot with their trapping 94 x 50-foot defense. At one point the Golden Eagles trailed by 30 points, but they closed the margin to 20 before succumbing to a late barrage of baskets.

Malik Campbell led the Golden Eagles with 14 points scoring 10 in the final half of play. Andre Leavell added 12 points, had four rebounds and four steals.

With the loss the Golden Eagles fell to 3-8 on the year. They host two games later this week, playing Southern State on Thursday and Penn Highlands on Friday. Both games start at 2:00 p.m.

Jacob Hicks makes a steal and heads downcourt on a fast break.

Andre Leavell avoids traffic after rebounding a missed BSC field goal attempt.

Mya Blochlinger, pictured with her father Darren, received her

USCAA D-2, Volleyball First Team All American award at halftime.  (Photos by Jason Keller)