The Bluefield University Rams embarked on a challenging weekend road trip, facing tough opponents in back-to-back contests. Despite their best efforts, the Rams fell short in two closely contested games, falling to Spartanburg Methodist 75-106 and just fell short to Reinhardt University 100-99. 

Rams vs. Spartanburg Methodist College

On January 3, 2025, the Rams took on Spartanburg Methodist College at Bridges Arena in Spartanburg, S.C. The game concluded with a 75-106 defeat for Bluefield, despite a spirited first-half effort that saw the Rams trailing by just 10 points, 41-51, at halftime.

Leading the charge for Bluefield was Donavon Martin, who tallied 16 points. Quantavis McKinney made his presence felt with 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Jordan Lineberger contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds. Elijah White also stepped up, scoring 10 points alongside 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

 Rams vs. Reinhardt University

The following evening, Bluefield faced Reinhardt University in Waleska, GA, in a nail-biting Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) match-up. The Rams fell just short in a heart-stopping 99-100 loss, a game that epitomized their resilience and fighting spirit.

After trailing 43-48 at halftime, the Rams mounted an inspiring second-half comeback. Quantavis McKinney led the way with a stellar 28-point performance, complemented by 22 points and 11 rebounds from Donavon Martin. Jordan Lineberger added 11 points and 8 rebounds, while Elijah White delivered 14 points and 7 rebounds. The Rams fought until the very last second, making strategic plays and executing a late-game surge that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite their efforts, they fell by the narrowest of margins.

Looking Ahead

The Rams now hold a season record of 3-8 overall and 3-4 in AAC play. Up next, Bluefield will travel to the University of Pikeville on January 7, 2025.