The third day of the 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament was filled with thrilling quarterfinal matchups, narrowing down the competition to four teams in each division. The women's bracket saw Virginia Union narrowly defeat Claflin in a nail-biting finish, while Bowie State secured a solid win over Livingstone. On the men's side, Bluefield State dominated Johnson C. Smith, and Lincoln University (PA) edged out Claflin in a closely contested game. These victories set the stage for highly anticipated semifinal matches on Friday.
In the women’s quarterfinals, Virginia Union faced off against Claflin in a game that came down to the wire. With only seconds remaining, Virginia Union managed to secure a 59-55 victory through crucial defensive plays and timely free throws. This win advances them to face the reigning champions, Fayetteville State University, in the semifinals. Key players like Jones and Morris were instrumental, contributing significantly to their team's success.
Bowie State also had an impressive showing in their match against Livingstone. The Bulldogs emerged victorious with a score of 68-54, thanks to standout performances from Destiny Ryles and Morgan Kelson. Their next challenge will be against Virginia State, setting up what promises to be an intense semifinal showdown. The Bulldogs' balanced attack and strong defense were pivotal in overcoming Livingstone's resistance.
On the men’s side, Bluefield State demonstrated their prowess on the court by defeating Johnson C. Smith 84-69. Jordan Hinds and Terrell Williams led the charge for Bluefield State, scoring 24 and 18 points respectively. The team's dominance inside the paint and ability to capitalize on turnovers were key factors in their decisive win. Johnson C. Smith struggled with their shooting accuracy, particularly from three-point range, which hindered their efforts to stay competitive.
Late Thursday evening, Lincoln University (PA) clinched a narrow 56-53 victory over Claflin. Peter Sorber and Ethan Garita were the top scorers for Lincoln, each contributing significantly to the team's success. This win sets up a compelling semifinal matchup against Virginia State, who advanced after defeating Bowie State earlier in the week. Both teams are now gearing up for what is expected to be an electrifying contest.
The tournament has been a showcase of exceptional talent and competitive spirit. As the final four teams prepare for the semifinals, fans can look forward to more high-stakes games and unforgettable moments. Each team has demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, making the upcoming matches all the more exciting to watch.