RIVERDALE, N.Y. — Lincoln University battled for 40 minutes, traded punches possession after possession, and held leads deep into the second half—but a buzzer-beating finish spoiled the Lions’ comeback bid as Queens (NY) escaped with a 62–60 win Saturday at the Harlem Renaissance Classic inside Manhattan University’s Draddy Gymnasium.

Lincoln (1–2) matched the Knights blow-for-blow from the opening tip. Both teams went into the half deadlocked at 29–29, with the Lions’ high-efficiency interior scoring keeping pace despite Queens’ early perimeter burst.

The Lions gained traction in the second half behind the dominant play of Julius Olanrewaju, who delivered one of the best performances of the weekend. The senior scored at all three levels, poured in critical jumpers, and carried the Lions offensively during a series of lead changes.

Lincoln took multiple small leads behind strong defensive stretches and second-chance opportunities. BJ Johnson Jr. orchestrated the offense beautifully with seven assists, while the Lions won the rebounding battle 41–27, including 14 offensive boards.

But Queens continued answering every surge. With Tahj-Malik Campbell heating up—on his way to a game-high 28 points—the Knights hung around until the final minute.

With the game tied in the closing seconds, Queens isolated Campbell at the top of the floor. He drove hard to his right and finished a tough, contested layup with under two seconds remaining. Lincoln’s desperation heave missed as time expired, sealing the Lions’ first loss in the Classic and one of the most dramatic endings of the event.

LINCOLN TOP PERFORMERS

Julius Olanrewaju
• 23 points
• 7–13 FG, 3–4 3FG
• 5 rebounds

BJ Johnson Jr.
• 11 points
• 9 rebounds
• 7 assists

Draven Pilson
• 9 points
• 7 rebounds

Ginuwine Tropnas
• 9 points
• 7 rebounds

GAME NOTES

• Game featured 7 lead changes and 6 ties
• Lincoln scored 32 points in the paint and 9 fast-break points
• Lions dominated the glass, 41–27, but shot just 52% at the free-throw line
• Queens closed the game on a late 6–2 run

By HBCU Original Staff

In a powerful nod to culture, legacy, and community empowerment, Walmart has officially launched a dedicated HBCU Shop Page, giving Historically Black Colleges and Universities a highly visible platform on one of the world’s largest retail websites.

For millions of alumni, students, families, and supporters, this move represents more than just shopping convenience — it signals recognition. It signals respect. And it marks yet another corporate giant openly embracing the impact of our institutions.

A First-of-Its-Kind Retail Hub for HBCU Pride

The new Walmart HBCU page brings together apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products honoring institutions such as:

• Howard University

• Hampton University

• Southern University

• Morehouse College

• Spelman College

• North Carolina A&T

• Florida A&M University

• Tennessee State University

• Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and others

From tees and hats to watches and home décor, the shop provides a centralized space for fans to represent their school with pride — and do so through a mainstream, accessible retailer.

Walmart’s reach means HBCU culture isn’t tucked away in specialty stores or seasonal drops. It’s front-facing, easily available, and positioned to be seen by millions of shoppers every day.

“Visibility changes the game for us.”

That’s the sentiment from Derrick Stevenson, a third-generation HBCU alum who grew up watching his parents rock vintage HBCU sweatshirts from local vendors.

“When a company as big as Walmart says, ‘We see you,’ it hits different,” Stevenson shared.
“It’s one thing for us to celebrate ourselves — it’s another when the world starts celebrating with us.”

For alumni like Stevenson — and for current students — the message is clear: HBCU culture is not niche. It’s national.

Walmart’s Continued HBCU Engagement

This new retail move doesn’t come out of nowhere.

Walmart has been building relationships with HBCUs for years:

• The Live Better U program added partnerships with Morehouse, Spelman, and North Carolina A&T.

• Walmart and Sam’s Club have hosted HBCU Student Summits in Bentonville, creating career pipelines for students.

• The company has launched equity in education initiatives supporting HBCU students in academic and workforce development.

• Walmart’s “Makers Studio” and mentorship programs have brought innovation opportunities directly to campuses.

With this new shop page, Walmart extends that engagement into cultural and economic recognition.

What This Means for the HBCU Ecosystem

1. Visibility on a Major Stage

Being showcased on Walmart’s platform exposes HBCUs to a much wider audience — from alumni supporters to everyday consumers who may not yet understand HBCU culture.

2. A New Market for HBCU-Branded Goods

Students and alumni now have another way to represent their schools — and for many, Walmart’s affordability and accessibility are game-changers.

3. Broader Cultural Influence

Mainstream platforms help normalize HBCU representation in national conversations around education, culture, style, and identity.

4. Concerns and Questions

Some in the community wonder:

• Will this overshadow smaller HBCU-owned apparel companies?

• Are HBCUs benefiting financially from the products sold?

• How will representation be balanced among all 100+ HBCUs?

These are important questions — and ones HBCU Original intends to continue covering as the story develops.

HBCU Original’s Take: A Moment to Celebrate — and Activate

This Walmart move is a win, but it’s also an opportunity.

At HBCU Original, we believe this moment opens doors for:

• Amplifying HBCU Entrepreneurs

We will continue spotlighting Black-owned businesses creating original HBCU merchandise and designs.

• Telling the Stories Behind the Schools

The gear is important — but the legacy, the history, and the culture behind each school are what truly matter.

• Advocating for Fair Representation

As Walmart expands its catalog, we hope to see every HBCU represented, not just the most commercially known.

• Encouraging Partnerships That Matter

This development could lead to deeper collaborations between Walmart and HBCU creators, designers, and campus organizations.

“Our culture deserves shelves and stages.”

That statement from Aaliyah Rowe, a sophomore at Hampton University, sums up the sentiment many students share:

“This is more than merch. It’s validation.
It’s saying our schools matter. Our pride matters.
And our culture deserves shelves and stages.”

Final Thought

Walmart’s HBCU page is more than a retail landing spot — it’s a cultural milestone.
A space where heritage meets visibility.
Where legacy meets opportunity.
Where Black excellence meets the global marketplace.

And for the HBCU community, this moment is only the beginning.

Wilmington, DE — November 19, 2025 — The Lincoln University Lady Lions broke into the win column Wednesday night, powering past Wilmington (Del.) 76–68 in a tough, physical road battle that showcased dominance on the boards and timely fourth-quarter execution.

From the opening minutes, Lincoln dictated the tempo by controlling the glass. The Lady Lions posted a commanding 63–48 rebounding edge, including a staggering 27 offensive rebounds, which translated into 17 second-chance points—the difference-maker in a tight contest.

Akinniyi Sets the Tone

Baltimore native Kaziah Akinniyi (Poly) delivered a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 20 points. Her relentless attacking style forced Wilmington into foul trouble early and often, and she capitalized, hitting 10 of 12 free throws to steady Lincoln’s offense whenever the game tightened.

Makumi and Hall Provide the Punch Inside

Ariana Makumi (Baltimore Poly) was a force in the paint, grabbing 14 rebounds to go with nine points—just shy of a double-double.
Off the bench, Shyne Hall (Chester STEM) made every minute count, dropping 10 points in just 13 minutes, giving Lincoln essential scoring during key stretches.

Depth Delivers

Ja’Laiyah Smith (Bayonne, NJ) and Riley Holliday (Baltimore, MD) combined for 12 points and 13 boards, helping Lincoln maintain interior presence as the game tightened entering the fourth quarter.

Closing Time

Lincoln held a slim 36–34 halftime lead and carried a 52–47 margin into the final frame. But it was the fourth quarter where the Lady Lions showed their composure, delivering a strong 24-point finish fueled by defensive stops, offensive rebounding, and efficient late-game possessions.

The win moves Lincoln to 1–2 on the season, marking an early turning point as the team looks to build momentum.

Up Next

The Lady Lions stay on the road, heading south to take on Virginia University of Lynchburg on Saturday, November 22.

On a chilly night at Xfinity Arena in College Park, MD, the Alcorn State Braves squared off against the University of Maryland Terrapins in a thrilling non-conference matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. While the Braves came up short against the Big Ten powerhouse, the game was full of heart, hustle, and moments of brilliance, showing why SWAC basketball continues to grow in talent and competitiveness.

Key Moments and Plays

From the opening tip, the Braves demonstrated defensive intensity. #1 Jameel Morris was a one-man highlight reel, electrifying the court with multiple standout plays:

• Steals and Corner Jumper: Early in the first half, Morris read Maryland’s offense perfectly, stole the ball, and drained a smooth corner shot, igniting the Braves’ bench.

• Driving to the Hole: Displaying speed and skill, Morris powered through defenders for a strong layup, showcasing his ability to attack the basket under pressure.

• Steal and Score: Morris continued to turn defense into offense, picking pockets and converting fast-break opportunities into easy points.

• Bounces Off Contact and Scores: Perhaps his most physical play of the night, Morris absorbed contact at the rim and still finished strong, earning a roar from Braves fans.

Supporting Morris were Travis Roberts (14 points) and Shane Lancaster (10 points), each contributing key buckets and energy off the bench.

For Maryland, Pharrel Payne led the Terrapins with 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Andre Mills (16 points, 8 rebounds) and Elijah Saunders (12 points) kept the team ahead, ultimately finishing with a final score of Maryland 84 – Alcorn State 64.

SWAC Pride on Display

Despite facing a Big Ten program, the Braves showed the grit, athleticism, and strategic mindsets that SWAC teams are known for. Under Coach Jake Morton, Alcorn State’s players exhibited discipline, teamwork, and moments of brilliance that remind fans of the talent emerging from HBCUs and the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Looking Ahead

While the Braves didn’t come away with the win, the performance of Jameel Morris and the energy from Coach Morton’s squad set the tone for the season. SWAC basketball continues to rise, and games like this against top-tier programs help put HBCU talent on the national radar.

Key Players:

Alcorn State Braves:

• #1 Jameel Morris – 22 points

• Travis Roberts – 14 points

• Shane Lancaster – 10 points

Maryland Terrapins:

• Pharrel Payne – 22 points, 7 rebounds

• Andre Mills – 16 points, 8 rebounds

• Elijah Saunders – 12 points

Final Score: Maryland 84 – Alcorn State 64

💜💛 Whether it’s Morris’ highlight-reel plays or the strategic leadership of Coach Jake Morton, the Braves proved that SWAC teams can compete with some of the best in college basketball. Stay tuned for more HBCU basketball coverage!

Location: Lincoln University, PA
Date: November 8, 2025

Game Summary:
Bowie State closed their 2025 season with a strong 28–17 road victory over Lincoln University (PA). After falling behind 14–0 early, the Bulldogs stormed back behind quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who accounted for three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing.

Lincoln opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Rhyel Miles-Eubanks to Omarion Dupree, followed by a 1-yard TD run from Dexter Baptism to make it 14-0.

Bowie State responded before halftime when Witherspoon hit Xavier Belton on a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-7. In the second half, Witherspoon tied the game with a 4-yard rushing TD and later connected with Raymon Lewis for a 51-yard strike to give Bowie its first lead. Micah Robinson sealed the win with a 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

📊 Team Stats

⭐ Top Performers

• Savion Witherspoon (BSU): 15/21, 215 YDS, 2 TD; 36 YDS rushing, 1 TD

• Xavier Belton (BSU): 26-yard TD reception

• Raymon Lewis (BSU): 51-yard TD reception

• Micah Robinson (BSU): 42 YDS rushing, 1 TD

• Samuel Graham (BSU): 13 tackles

• Rhyel Miles-Eubanks (LIN): 22/36, 246 YDS, 1 TD

• Omarion Dupree (LIN): 6 REC, 72 YDS, 1 TD

Final Record:
Bowie State finishes the 2025 season 3–7 overall (2–6 conference).
Lincoln (PA) closes out their campaign 0–10.