BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University men's basketball led at halftime and battled throughout the second half, but Truett McConnell used a late surge to pull away for a 78–70 win Saturday afternoon inside the Dome.

The Rams set the tone early with energy on both ends of the floor. Ke'Shaun Tonsall scored the first four points for Bluefield, and Danny Alford controlled the paint early with a pair of baskets and strong rebounding. Shaft Clark sparked a key first-half run, scoring 10 points in the opening 12 minutes as the Rams built a nine-point advantage midway through the period.

BU's defense forced multiple turnovers during the stretch, and Isaiah Sanders added a transition layup to push the lead to 18–9. Truett McConnell responded with timely baskets to close the gap, but the Rams held firm late in the half. A dunk from Alford and free throws from DJ McDonald helped Bluefield take a 33–27 lead into the break.

The second half featured several momentum swings. Truett McConnell opened with increased pressure and strong perimeter shooting to trim the deficit, but BU answered with baskets from Lenair Young and Sanders to keep the lead. A three-pointer from McDonald at the 11-minute mark briefly pushed the Rams back in front, 47–45, and Tonsall followed with a finish in the lane to keep the game within one possession.

Truett McConnell eventually regained control behind a stretch of three-pointers and consistent trips to the free-throw line. Despite late efforts from Clark and Sanders, the Rams were unable to close the gap in the final minutes as Truett McConnell sealed the game at the stripe.

Clark led Bluefield with 18 points, four steals, and six rebounds, while Alford added 14 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. Sanders finished with 12 points and two assists, and Tonsall chipped in 10 points. McDonald contributed six points and five rebounds, and Young added seven points with five boards.

BU (3–13, 3–7 AAC) returns to the road Wednesday, traveling to Johnson for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.