Northwestern narrowly defeated Howard 68-66 in the third-place game of the Hawk Classic, bouncing back after a tough loss to Charleston the day before. The Wildcats (7-5, 0-1 B1G) overcame a second-half push from the Bison (6-8, 0-0 MEAC) to secure the victory.

The star of the game was Mel Daley, who delivered a stellar 16-point performance on 7-for-12 shooting, including the Wildcats’ final three field goals. Grace Sullivan also scored 16 points, while Casey Harter and Caleigh Walsh added 11 points each. Taylor Williams led on the boards with 11 rebounds but fouled out midway through the fourth quarter.

For Howard, Destiny Howell and Saniyah King paced the offense with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Nile Miller contributed nine points and eight rebounds, as the Bison collectively pulled down 40 rebounds to Northwestern’s 36.

The game was a battle of momentum swings, with both teams relying on clutch plays and key defensive stops. Northwestern capitalized on Daley’s late-game heroics and a strong second-half performance to hold off Howard. The Wildcats’ defense stood firm in the final seconds, with Caleigh Walsh blocking a potential game-winning three-pointer from Destiny Howell to seal the win.

With the victory, Northwestern takes home third place in the Hawk Classic and will host Washington on Dec. 28 following the holiday break.

PHILADELPHIA (December 20, 2024) – HBCU Original was live on location, capturing the intensity and drama of the 29th annual Hawk Classic as Howard University faced off against St. Joseph’s University at Michael J. Hagan Arena. The matchup highlighted the brilliance of freshman standout Saniyah King, who poured in a career-high 23 points in a valiant effort, and St. Joe’s star Laura Ziegler, who delivered a historic triple-double performance.

The Saint Joseph’s women’s basketball team defeated Howard on Friday afternoon, opening the 29th annual Hawk Classic presented by Jersey Mike’s with a 69-53 victory inside Hagan Arena in front of a crowd of 2,102 for School Day.

A Stage Set for Redemption and Excellence
HBCU Original’s cameras rolled as the Howard Bison sought to bounce back from a tough loss earlier in the week. The spotlight was firmly on freshman guard Saniyah King, and she did not disappoint, proving why she’s a four-time MEAC Rookie of the Week. After a shaky start to the season, King showed her poise and skill, keeping the Bison within striking distance with her stellar shooting and composure at the free-throw line.

The game also marked another chapter in the stellar season of St. Joe’s Laura Ziegler, who achieved her second triple-double in five games. HBCU Original was there to capture the excitement and energy as the Hawks flexed their offensive firepower in front of a packed arena.

Exclusive Coverage: The Voices Behind the Game
HBCU Original’s on-site team provided in-depth commentary, post-game interviews, and highlights from the game. The crew captured reactions from Howard’s players and fans as they reflected on King’s career performance and the challenges faced against a well-balanced St. Joe’s squad.

Coach Grace McCombs of Howard shared her thoughts exclusively with HBCU Original, praising King’s growth and resilience while emphasizing the need for the team to regroup and improve ahead of their next matchup against Northwestern.

Meanwhile, St. Joe’s coach Cindy Griffin spoke about Ziegler’s historic performance and the depth her team brings to the court, a sentiment echoed by fans who packed the arena for the Hawk Classic’s School Day.

What’s Next?
HBCU Original will continue its comprehensive coverage as Howard takes on Northwestern in the consolation game. Stay tuned for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, player interviews, and expert analysis of Howard’s performance as they look to close out the tournament strong.

Follow HBCU Original for all the latest updates, game highlights, and insights into the journey of HBCU teams nationwide. Visit hbcuoriginal.com or subscribe to our YouTube channel at youtube.com/@THEHBCUORIGINAL.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Despite a strong performance by Peter Oduro, who tallied a game-high 15 points, the Coppin State men’s basketball team fell to Penn State, 99-51, on Saturday afternoon at Bryce Jordan Center. With the loss, the Eagles dropped to 0-12 on the season, while the Nittany Lions improved to 9-2 overall. HBCU Original was on-site to cover the action.

Key Performances

• Peter Oduro: Led all scorers with 15 points, shooting an impressive 7-of-9 from the floor, including a three-pointer. He connected on his first six field-goal attempts.
• Jonathan Dunn and Toby Nnadozie: Scored 10 points each, joining Oduro in double figures.
• Camaren Sparrow: Added seven points and recorded two steals alongside Nnadozie.
• Julius Ellerbe III: Dominated the boards with a game-high eight rebounds and contributed five assists.

Penn State outperformed Coppin State in several key areas, shooting 56.7% from the field compared to Coppin’s 35.5% and holding a 45-28 advantage in rebounds. The Eagles’ 15 assists marked their highest total since their March 2, 2023, matchup against Morgan State, with contributions from Cam’Ron Brown (four assists) and Sparrow (three assists).

Game Recap

The Nittany Lions opened the game with a 6-0 run before Oduro got the Eagles on the board with a jumper at the 18:39 mark. After Penn State converted a three-point play, Nnadozie answered with another jumper, but the home team responded with a 20-0 surge to take control of the game.

Oduro’s efficient scoring continued as he knocked down two more field goals, and Nnadozie connected on a three-pointer with 5:40 left in the first half. However, Penn State maintained its dominance, entering halftime with a commanding 52-21 lead.

The Nittany Lions extended their advantage in the second half, with the final score representing their largest lead of the game.

Up Next

Coppin State will look to regroup as they continue to seek their first win of the season. HBCU Original remains dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of HBCU athletics.

By HBCU Original

JACKSON, Miss. — The Jackson State Tigers are officially back on top, and their SWAC dominance is undeniable.

In a statement victory, Jackson State (11-2) crushed Southern 41-13 on Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. This marks the Tigers’ third conference title in four years and the first under second-year head coach T.C. Taylor.

McDonald Steps Up When It Matters Most

Starting quarterback Jacobian Morgan exited late in the first half after taking a tough hit. Enter junior quarterback Zy McDonald, who stepped in and put on a show.

McDonald accounted for 170 total yards, including 95 on the ground and two touchdowns. His composure and dual-threat ability kept the Tigers’ offense humming, proving that the moment was never too big for him.

“I always prepare like I’m going to play,” McDonald said postgame. “Tonight, it was my turn to step up for my brothers.”

Southern Overwhelmed by Tigers’ Defense

Southern (8-5), the SWAC West representative, struggled to find offensive rhythm. Quarterback Czavian Teasett was limited to 127 passing yards, and the Jaguars failed to generate consistent momentum against Jackson State’s swarming defense.

The Tigers imposed their will, winning the physical battle in the trenches and forcing Southern to settle for short drives and punts.

Celebration Bowl Bound

The Tigers’ victory sends them to the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Dec. 14 in Atlanta, where they will face MEAC champion South Carolina State (9-2). It’s an opportunity for Jackson State to showcase their talent on the national stage and bring home more hardware.

Game Highlights

Final Score: Jackson State 41, Southern 13

Key Plays:

• 2Q: Emari Matthews tied the game 10-10 with a two-yard touchdown run just before halftime.
• 3Q: Irv Mulligan’s two-yard touchdown run extended the lead to 17-10 early in the second half.
• 4Q: McDonald sealed the deal with a 23-yard touchdown run, stretching the lead to 27-10.

Player of the Game: Zy McDonald – 170 total yards and two touchdowns, stepping in at quarterback with poise and purpose.

Jackson State’s Recipe for Success

This season, the Tigers have thrived on resilience and adaptability. Despite injuries, they’ve leaned on their depth and found new heroes each week. Saturday was no different, with McDonald and the defense setting the tone.

A Legacy in Progress

For Jackson State, this isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about carrying the torch for HBCU excellence. From T.C. Taylor’s leadership to the grit of the players, this program continues to elevate the legacy of SWAC football.

Stay tuned as the Tigers aim for glory in Atlanta and represent HBCU pride on the biggest stage.

— HBCU Original: The Voice of Black College Sports

In a game for the ages, Coppin State University’s women’s basketball team shocked Arizona State University (ASU) in a thrilling 74-68 overtime victory on Friday night. The win marked the Eagles’ first-ever home triumph over a power-conference opponent, sending the packed CSU arena into a frenzy.

The Eagles were carried by dynamic duo Angel Jones and Laila Lawrence, who combined for 43 points in a heroic effort. Jones led all scorers with 23 points, shooting 8-of-20 from the field and a clutch 7-of-11 from the charity stripe, while also contributing five rebounds and three assists. Lawrence added 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, nearly recording a double-double with nine boards, five assists, and defensive brilliance with four steals and a block.

Coppin State’s balanced attack featured four players in double figures for the first time this season. Senior guards Tyler Gray and Tiffany Hammond each chipped in 12 points. Hammond drained four three-pointers in a sharpshooting display, while Gray was ice-cold under pressure, hitting all six of her free throws. The pair also contributed defensively, combining for five steals.

The Eagles outshot the Sun Devils 41.3% to 38.8% from the field and turned defense into offense, scoring 20 points off ASU’s 20 turnovers. Coppin State also held the edge at the free-throw line, connecting on 15-of-21 attempts compared to ASU’s 9-of-12.

For Arizona State (4-4), junior guard Jalyn Brown was the standout, posting 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Tyi Skinner added 14 points, while Nevaeh Parkinson fought hard in the paint, finishing with nine points and 10 rebounds. Parkinson, fresh off a career-high 26 points in ASU’s previous game, added another milestone by hitting just the second three-pointer of her career.

Overtime proved decisive, as Coppin State dominated the extra frame. The Eagles shot a blistering 60% (6-of-10) in overtime while holding the Sun Devils to a frigid 18.2% (2-of-11). ASU’s shooting woes in the clutch nullified their strong middle quarters, where they hit 52% from the field.

This monumental victory adds a new chapter to Coppin State’s history, showcasing a team that capitalized on grit, execution, and resilience to topple a powerhouse program.