Image via @wssumbasketball

By: Kobe Scales, Sports Editor

In the third installment of the NBA HBCU Classic Winston-Salem routed Virginia Union. A game decided in the paint proved that the experience of the reigning CIAA champions was too much for the young and inexperienced Virginia Union team on the big stage. 

Four Rams players would score in double figures on the night leading to a 64-47 win that was never close in the second half. Ketron Shaw and Jaylen Alston led the scoring attack, Shaw with 15 points and Alston with 14. Shaw also had a game high 11 rebounds, with six on the offensive glass. 

The rebounding battle would be the story of the night as the Rams would finish the game with 12 more rebounds than Virginia Union, along with 17 offensive rebounds. 

Rams offensive leader and point guard, Isaac Parson would come alive in the second half to finish the game with a double-double of his own, 12 points along with 11 assists. 

Freshman walk-on Travis Vaughn went on to finish with nine points and three assists for Virginia Union. 

“When I think about the eight Freshman, my eyes light up — these kids are getting valuable experience as freshmen and when I look at them they’re turning into Virginia Union types of kids,” said Coach Jay Butler. “To have these kids for the next three years, I’m excited about it. And I still think we can make a run in the tournament.” 

The game for both teams if nothing else was a confidence builder that they can play on the biggest stage. More importantly the HBCUs are receiving an experience like never before. Before the game, two time NBA Champion Kevin Durant spoke on the impact of including the classic in All-Star Weekend. 

“It’s an opportunity for people around the country to see the type of talent they have at HBCUs,” Durant said. “There’s a lot of hidden gems there, great coaching, great talent up and down the board. If we can give them the platform to showcase their talents and skills, we need to do so. So I’m excited for them. Hopefully, this becomes an annual thing and we start to see more and more talent come out of HBCUs.”

While the weekend is great and the NBA has done a lot for HBCUs, there is still more work to be done on both sides. 

“They’re doing a great job, but I think they[NBA] can bring more of the coaches and athletic directors to the table,” said Coach Cleo Hill Jr. “We can all brainstorm and figure out some things that the coaches and directors can bring to light, to get closer to these student athletes. We should probably bring them to the table as well.” 

While both teams have enjoyed their All-Star weekend it is back to work gearing up for the playoffs and CIAA tournament. Winston-Salem will look to retain their title, while Virginia Union will look to upset a few teams in route to an unlikely championship.

Copy Edited by: Auzzy Byrdsell, Editor-in-Chief