BECKLEY, W.Va. — WVU Tech men's basketball opened the 2025–26 season — and the Corey Acord era — in winning fashion Saturday evening, defeating Bluefield University (Va.) 96–81 inside the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center.
The victory marked the first career win for Acord, a Beckley native and former Golden Bear assistant now leading his hometown program.
The Golden Bears (1–0) set the tone early behind efficient shooting and unselfish play, building a 45–33 halftime lead before maintaining control throughout the second half. Tech shot a blistering 58.1 percent from the field and 52.4 percent from three, while dishing out 25 assists on 36 made baskets.
Depth once again proved to be a major factor, with the bench contributing 46 points and keeping the energy high on both ends.
Ian Goings paced the Golden Bears with 22 points on 10-of-13 shooting to go along with seven rebounds. Cole Chapman orchestrated the offense with nine assists and four steals, while Jackson Tackett and Trayten Woods each tallied 17 points. Brandon Moore added 12 points and seven rebounds, and freshman Roman Kellum chipped in nine off the bench.
As a team, Tech finished with a +10 margin on the glass (39–29) and scored 21 points off turnovers.
Golden Bear Highlights
Season Totals (through Nov. 1)
- Record: 1–0 (.1000) | Home: 1–0 | Away: 0–0
- Points leader: Ian Goings (22) | Rebounds leader: Goings (7) | Assists leader: Cole Chapman (9)
- Team Averages — FG%: 58.1 | 3PT%: 52.4 | FT%: 65.0
What's Next
WVU Tech returns to the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center on Tuesday, Nov. 4, hosting Carolina University. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
🎥 Live Coverage: goldenbearathletics.com/coverage
