CHARLOTTE - For the first time since 1972, the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls are heading to the CIAA Championship game after a thrilling 26–21 victory over the Livingstone and winning back the Commemorative Classic at the Irwin Belk Complex, in front of 4,367 fans on a sunny Saturday afternoon, the Golden Bulls overcame a hard-fought challenge from their conference rivals to secure their spot in Durham.
 
Johnson C. Smith opened the scoring midway through the first quarter when Bobby Smith capped an eight-play, 65-yard drive with an eight-yard touchdown run. Livingstone responded instantly—just 13 seconds later—as Elijah Alexander connected with Davyn Reid on an 80-yard touchdown pass, tying the game 7–7.
 
In the second quarter, the Golden Bulls' Lukasz Smolen nailed a 40-yard field goal to put JCSU ahead, and moments later, Rontay Dunbar's interception return for a touchdown extended the lead to 17–7. Livingstone refused to back down; Alexander and Reid struck again on a 65-yard, cutting the deficit to 17–14. As the half expired, Smolen drilled a 48-yard field goal, sending the Bulls into the locker room with a 20–14 advantage.
 
The third quarter turned defensive until Livingstone's E'shawn Carter made a huge momentum shift, intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown just seconds into the half. The Blue Bears took their first lead, 21–20, setting up a tense final stretch.
 
Both teams traded stops until late in the fourth quarter, when Kelvin Durham found Deandre Proctor on a 24-yard touchdown pass to put Johnson C. Smith back in front. The extra point attempt failed, but the Bulls' defense held strong to preserve the 26–21 win.
 
With the victory,Johnson C. Smith (9–1, 7–1) advances to face the Virginia Union Panthers in Durham, North Carolina, for the conference championship.