TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The opening round of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) 2025 Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship featured several standout performances as teams battled for a spot in the next round at Stillman College’s Birthright Alumni Hall.
Women’s Tournament
Philander Smith 70, Virgin Islands 59
No. 4 seed Philander Smith University opened its tournament run with a 70-59 victory over No. 13 seed University of the Virgin Islands on Thursday. The Panthers controlled the pace early, building a lead they would not relinquish.
Fisk 71, Voorhees 54
Fisk University, the No. 5 seed, delivered a 71-54 win over No. 12 Voorhees University. The game was competitive in the opening quarter, with Voorhees holding a brief 12-10 lead. However, a pivotal 3-pointer by Courtney Lumpkins sparked a 19-point run that shifted momentum to Fisk. By halftime, Fisk had extended its lead to 36-18, holding Voorhees scoreless for over seven minutes. Contributions from Jayla Bibbs and Keeli Burton-Oliver ensured Fisk maintained control throughout the second half.
Full Women’s Recap | Women’s Bracket
Men’s Tournament
Talladega 71, Oakwood 59
No. 4 seed Talladega College secured a 71-59 win over No. 13 Oakwood University behind a dominant performance from Lamont Sams, who posted a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Shaun Walker added 19 points and eight rebounds, while Wilfred Campbell provided a crucial 3-pointer to help the Tornadoes pull away late in the game.
Philander Smith 73, Voorhees 53
Philander Smith University’s men’s team, the No. 5 seed, pulled away in the second half to defeat No. 12 Voorhees University 73-53. Voorhees controlled the first half, leading 30-29 at the break after Tim Smith’s 3-pointer and a key steal that set up a basket by Omari Bryson. However, Philander Smith, led by head coach Todd Day Jr., adjusted its strategy in the second half, taking control and dominating the remainder of the game.
