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

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”

David Wright III, Clark Atlanta University’s electrifying quarterback, has achieved what few can boast—winning back-to-back SIAC Overall Player of the Year awards. His standout 2024 season, where he passed for 2,915 yards (ranking fifth nationally in Division II) and threw 28 touchdowns, has solidified his status as one of the most exciting players in college football. Wright’s incredible journey from Tampa Bay Tech High School to Clark Atlanta is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and talent.

As a quarterback who transcends expectations, Wright, who began his college career at Allen University, transferred to Clark Atlanta with a vision: to elevate his game and lead his team to prominence. This year, he completed 62% of his passes and continued to develop into a dual-threat weapon. Known for his ability to extend plays, his pocket instincts, and a cannon of an arm, Wright is the definition of a playmaker. Scouts rave about his accuracy, mobility, and ability to hit his receivers in stride, particularly on mid-range throws, earning him the nickname “Midrange Maestro.” His Tampa roots shared with Ronnie West, Clark Atlanta’s star receiver, have helped forge an unstoppable connection on the field. The Tampa duo has become a dynamic pairing, transforming the Panthers’ aerial attack into one of the most lethal in the conference.

Wright’s success stands out in a season filled with remarkable SIAC performances. Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles captured Offensive Player of the Year honors after throwing for 2,555 yards and a league-high 32 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lashon Young of Miles College earned Defensive Player of the Year, leading all of Division II with seven interceptions, showcasing the caliber of defensive talent in the SIAC.
Albany State’s freshman running back Tiant Wyche and Allen University’s newcomer Jamir Dismukes also made waves, with Wyche excelling as a dual-threat rusher and returner and Dismukes adding six touchdowns to Allen’s offensive efforts. Rounding out the awards, Miles head coach Sam Shade was named Coach of the Year for leading the Golden Bears to an 8-0 conference record.

As the NFL Draft looms, Wright III’s football journey is a compelling narrative of grit, growth, and undeniable talent. Wright’s on-field dominance has drawn comparisons to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Scouts praise Wright’s ability to operate under pressure, lightning-quick release, and knack for threading tight windows. While some critics cite his frame as a limitation, Wright has consistently proven that size is no barrier to success. His leadership and poise have made him a late-round steal prospect, with NFL teams undoubtedly taking notice.

With back-to-back SIAC Player of the Year awards, Wright is ready to carry the HBCU on his back as he could hoist the stature again. With standout performances like Wright’s, the conference continues to demonstrate that it can produce elite athletes ready for the national stage. His success at Clark Atlanta is part of a more significant trend of HBCUs reclaiming their place in the national spotlight. From producing NFL talents like Tariq Cohen and Shaquille Leonard to showcasing high-level competition in events like the Celebration Bowl, HBCUs are earning widespread respect. Players like Wright represent their schools and highlight the quality of coaching, competition, and development within HBCU programs. The growing visibility of HBCU athletes is also supported by initiatives such as the NFL’s HBCU Combine and partnerships with major media networks. These platforms ensure players like Wright can showcase their skills to NFL scouts, reinforcing that HBCUs remain a vital pipeline of football talent.

With stars like Wright leading the charge, the legacy of HBCU football is entering a new golden era—where its athletes make history and inspire future generations to carry the torch forward.