NEWARK, Del. — HBCU Original was on-site for the intense Battle of Delaware, where Delaware State University fell short in a high-energy showdown against the University of Delaware, 93-80, on Tuesday night.

Despite a standout performance from Robert Smith, who dropped a game-high 22 points, and a strong second-half effort, the Hornets (3-6) couldn’t overcome the Blue Hens’ dominant first half. Martez Robinson added 19 points for Delaware State, and Corey Perkins chipped in with eight, but the team’s halftime deficit proved insurmountable.

“We came alive in the second half, but we’ve got to play with that intensity from the tip,” said Delaware State head coach Stan Waterman.

The University of Delaware (5-3) leaned on a balanced offensive attack, led by Cavan Reilly, who finished with 20 points, including 14 in the second half. Erik Timko delivered 18 points, highlighted by three three-pointers, while John Camden added 13 points, shooting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.

The Blue Hens set the tone early, heading into the break with a 42-27 lead, thanks to Timko’s 13 first-half points. Delaware State outscored their rivals in the second half but couldn’t close the gap as Reilly and the Blue Hens held firm.

“This is what rivalry games are all about,” Reilly said after the win. “We knew Delaware State would come out swinging, but we stuck together and finished strong.”

Key Stats:

• Delaware State University: Smith (22 pts), Robinson (19 pts), Perkins (8 pts).
• University of Delaware: Reilly (20 pts, 5 reb), Timko (18 pts, 3-6 3PT), Camden (13 pts).

HBCU Original’s Take:

This annual rivalry highlights the intensity and pride of collegiate basketball in Delaware. Delaware State University, an esteemed HBCU, showed heart and resilience but will look to regroup as they prepare to face Morgan State.

Catch more HBCU sports coverage and highlights at HBCU Original—your home for HBCU pride and excellence.

🌐 Visit www.hbcuoriginal.com for full coverage and analysis of HBCU games.

#HBCUOriginal #BattleOfDelaware #DSUvsDelaware #CollegeBasketball #HBCUpride

In a tightly contested game, Miles College secured its first NCAA Division II playoff victory with a 14-13 win over Carson-Newman in the opening round of the NCAA Super Region Two playoffs. Playing at Sloan-Alumni Stadium for their first-ever home playoff game, the Golden Bears relied on a strong defensive effort to hold off the Eagles. Despite facing challenges late in the game after a fumble gave Carson-Newman one last chance, Miles’ defense came through with a key interception to seal the win.

The Golden Bears got on the board early with a touchdown pass from Kamren Ivory to Jaquel Fells and added a second score on a short run by Jonero Scott. Carson-Newman responded with a rushing touchdown and a field goal, but Miles’ defense kept them from taking the lead. The Eagles had opportunities, including a missed 50-yard field goal and a late-game drive, but the Golden Bears held firm to preserve the victory. With the win, Miles (10-2) extended its school-record win streak to 10 games and advanced to face top-seeded Valdosta State in the next round.

Game Stats: Carson-Newman (9-3) vs. Miles (10-2)

Final Score: Miles 14, Carson-Newman 13

Top Performers

• Carson-Newman:
  • Passing: Zane Whitson – 76 yards
  • Rushing: Jayden Sullins – 134 yards
  • Receiving: Don Bradley – 37 yards
• Miles College:
  • Passing: Kamren Ivory – 84 yards
  • Rushing: Jonero Scott – 48 yards, 1 TD
  • Receiving: Travaunta Abner – 36 yards

Game Details

• Date: November 23, 2024
• Location: Sloan-Alumni Stadium, Fairfield, Alabama
• Attendance: 1,726
• Kickoff Time: 11:00 AM
• End of Game: 1:40 PM
• Duration: 2 hours, 40 minutes
• Weather: Sunny, 55°F, Wind NNW 4 mph

Lady Hornets Claim Title in Thrilling Five-Set Match

DOVER, Del. (November 24, 2024) – The Delaware State University (DSU) volleyball team captured the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship in dramatic fashion Sunday night, defeating Howard University 3-2 (24-26, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 7-15) in front of an electric home crowd at Memorial Hall.

This hard-fought victory marked DSU’s second MEAC title in three seasons, showcasing their depth and determination against a resilient Howard squad.

Game Recap

The title match was an intense back-and-forth affair, with neither team willing to back down.

Set 1: The Lady Hornets edged out a 26-24 win after a nail-biting opener, setting the stage for the evening’s drama.

Set 2: Howard roared back with a 25-22 triumph, overcoming an early deficit with precise attacks and crucial defensive stops.

Set 3: Delaware State capitalized on Howard’s hitting errors to regain control, claiming the third frame 25-20.

Set 4: Refusing to quit, the Bison produced a blistering .405 hitting percentage in the fourth set, forcing a decisive fifth.

Set 5: DSU dominated the final frame, hitting a remarkable .450 as they sealed the championship with a 15-7 victory, sparking celebrations on their home court.

Game Leaders

Delaware State University (DSU):

• Kills: Valeria Otero (18), Gerren Tomlin (17), Aaliyah Mitchell (14)
• Aces: Morgan Allen (2), Valeria Otero (1), Naz Tuncay (1)
• Blocks: Aaliyah Mitchell (6), Alondra Maldonado (4), Hannah Sanders (4)
• Assists: Naz Tuncay (32), Paige Ahakuelo (31), Morgan Allen (4)
• Digs: Morgan Allen (22), Gerren Tomlin (20), Valeria Otero (12)

Howard University (HOW):

• Kills: Rya McKinnon (18), Cimone Woodard (16), Dami Awojobi (16)
• Aces: Halie McGinest (2), Leah Reeves (1)
• Blocks: Aziah Buckner (2), Amanda Ifeanyichukwu (2), Cimone Woodard (1)
• Assists: Leah Reeves (61), Claire Simpson (4)
• Digs: Claire Simpson (21), Dami Awojobi (14), Aziah Buckner (10)

Championship Highlights

DSU’s balanced attack proved decisive, with Valeria Otero and Gerren Tomlin leading the offensive charge while Morgan Allen anchored the defense with a match-high 22 digs. Freshman setter Naz Tuncay orchestrated the attack with 32 assists, complemented by Paige Ahakuelo’s 31.

Howard’s stars shined in defeat, with Rya McKinnon (18 kills) and Cimone Woodard (16 kills) delivering standout performances. Setter Leah Reeves had an incredible 61 assists, keeping the Bison’s offense running smoothly throughout the match.

Looking Ahead

Delaware State (17-13) will now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament, where they aim to continue their momentum against the nation’s best teams. Meanwhile, Howard’s strong showing throughout the season solidifies their position as a perennial MEAC contender, promising more battles ahead.

Stay connected to HBCU Original for continued coverage of HBCU sports and MEAC Volleyball!

“Delaware State Hornets deliver a dominant 3-0 victory over Coppin State in the second semifinal of the MEAC Volleyball Tournament! 🏐🔥 The Hornets showcased a stellar team performance, led by Gerren Tomlin’s 12 kills and Aaliyah Mitchell’s 8 blocks. Coppin State fought hard, with Sophia Bertotti Metoyer leading the way with 11 kills.

With this win, Delaware State secures their spot in the championship match against the Howard Bison on Sunday night. Can the Hornets continue their momentum, or will Howard reign supreme? Stay tuned for the championship showdown and relive all the semifinal action!

Game Leaders
Delaware State University

• Kills: Tomlin, Gerren (12); Otero, Valeria (10); Mitchell, Aaliyah (9)
• Aces: Allen, Morgan (1); Ahakuelo, Paige (1); Mitchell, Aaliyah (1)
• Blocks: Mitchell, Aaliyah (8); Maldonado, Alondra (4); Sanders, Hannah (4)
• Assists: Tuncay, Naz (16); Ahakuelo, Paige (14); Allen, Morgan (7)
• Digs: Allen, Morgan (12); Otero, Valeria (11); Tuncay, Naz (9)

Coppin State University

• Kills: Bertotti Metoyer, Sophia (11); Stafford, TaKenya (9); Walker, Deviana (7)
• Aces: Zuquelo, Gabriela (1)
• Blocks: Coleman, Ahzhi (4); Walker, Deviana (2); Kucuk, Ezgi (1)
• Assists: Pilahg, Azul (18); Carvalho, Kahea (13); Figueroa, Coco (3)
• Digs: Figueroa, Coco (16); Zuquelo, Gabriela (11); Stafford, TaKenya (6)

#HornetPride #MEACVolleyball #DSUvsHoward”

“The Howard Bison clinch a thrilling 3-1 victory over UMES in the MEAC Volleyball Semifinals! 🏐🔥 With standout performances by Rya McKinnon and Amanda Ifeanyichukwu, the Bison move on to face Delaware State in the championship match on Sunday night.

UMES put up a tough fight, led by Ranyla Griggs and Anisa Dorlouis, but Howard’s resilience proved too strong. Don’t miss this exciting recap as HBCU Original brings you exclusive coverage and highlights. Will Howard’s dominance continue in the finals, or can Delaware State claim the crown? Stay tuned for the championship showdown!

Game Leaders
Howard University

• Kills: McKinnon, Rya (12); Ifeanyichukwu, Amanda (9); Woodard, Bria (9)
• Aces: Buckner, Aziah (4); Reeves, Leah (2); Awojobi, Dami (1)
• Blocks: Ifeanyichukwu, Amanda (6); Woodard, Cimone (4); Woodard, Bria (3)
• Assists: Reeves, Leah (37); Simpson, Claire (3); Buckner, Aziah (1)
• Digs: Awojobi, Dami (16); Simpson, Claire (13); Reeves, Leah (12)

University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)

• Kills: Griggs, Ranyla (12); Montes, Lilliana (9); Snowden, Lyric (6)
• Aces: Dorlouis, Anisa (3); Griggs, Ranyla (1); Ramdeen, Shanti (1)
• Blocks: Omolewa, Anjola (6); McCoy, Gabrielle (3); Snowden, Lyric (2)
• Assists: Dorlouis, Anisa (23); Yilmaz, Isil (4); Snowden, Lyric (2)
• Digs: Yilmaz, Isil (15); Ramdeen, Shanti (10); Dorlouis, Anisa (9)

#BisonPride #MEACVolleyball #DSUvsHoward”