HBCU ORIGINAL
SC State Bulldogs Crush NCCU, Storm Into MEAC Championship Showdown!

Norfolk, Va. – The South Carolina State Bulldogs put on a commanding performance in the MEAC Men’s Basketball Tournament semifinals, cruising past No. 6 seed North Carolina Central with an 88-67 victory at the Norfolk Scope Arena.
The second-seeded Bulldogs set the tone early, shooting an impressive 61.1% from the field in the first half to build a dominant 54-25 lead at the break. Senior Omar Croskey led the charge with a season-high 30 points, going 11-of-14 from the field, including an impressive 5-of-7 from three-point range. He also contributed five rebounds, showcasing his all-around play for head coach Erik Martin’s squad.
Contributions came from all over the roster, with Davion Everett making a strong impact off the bench, scoring 16 points, while Colin McKenzie added 14 points to help seal the victory.
With this win, SC State improves to 20-12, marking their first 20-win season since 2002-03. The Bulldogs now set their sights on the MEAC Tournament final, where they will battle No. 1 seed Norfolk State for the championship on Saturday at 1 p.m. The highly anticipated matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
SC State will be vying for its first MEAC Tournament title since 2003, when head coach Cy Alexander led the Bulldogs to a 72-67 victory over Hampton. Their last taste of championship success came in 2004 when they shared the MEAC regular-season title with Coppin State.
Meanwhile, their upcoming opponent, Norfolk State, last won the tournament in 2023, securing back-to-back titles after defeating Coppin State 72-57. The Spartans reached the 2024 final but fell to Howard in a heartbreaker, 65-64. This season, SC State and Norfolk State split their regular-season meetings, each winning on their home court, setting the stage for an exciting championship showdown.
The Bulldogs wasted no time asserting their dominance in the semifinals, jumping out to a 9-2 lead in the first three minutes. A scoring surge, fueled by Croskey’s sharpshooting, propelled SC State to a staggering 25-4 advantage with 12:24 remaining in the first half. By halftime, the Bulldogs had built an insurmountable 29-point lead.
North Carolina Central attempted to claw back into the game with a 16-5 run to start the second half, narrowing the deficit to 18 points. Perry Smith Jr. led the Eagles with 20 points and nine rebounds, while King added 18 points and Keishon Porter chipped in 11. Despite their efforts, NCCU was unable to overcome SC State’s early dominance, as the Bulldogs maintained control and sealed their place in the championship game.
Now, all eyes turn to Saturday’s final, where SC State will look to cap off their remarkable season by claiming their first MEAC Tournament championship in over two decades. A win would cement their legacy and earn them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, a feat they haven’t accomplished since their last title run.
HBCU ORIGINAL
“2025 HBCU Homecoming Games: The Ultimate Football Celebration by Conference!”

🏈 2025 HBCU FOOTBALL HOMECOMING SCHEDULE
🎓 Grouped by Conference | 🔥 = Highlight Game
🟣 SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Oct 4 | 🔥 Alabama State vs. Bethune‑Cookman | Classic Montgomery |
Oct 11 | 🔥 Alabama A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State | Big in Huntsville |
Oct 11 | 🔥 Grambling State vs. Texas Southern | Grambling Homecoming |
Oct 18 | 🔥 Southern vs. Prairie View A&M | Baton Rouge rivalry |
Oct 25 | Prairie View A&M vs. Lincoln (CA) | Celebratory crowd |
Oct 11 | Jackson State vs. Alabama State | Mid-season showdown |
Oct 18 | Mississippi Valley State vs. Lincoln (CA) | MVSU campus event |
Oct 25 | Bethune‑Cookman vs. UAPB | Daytona Beach fun |
🔵 MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Oct 4 | 🔥 NC Central vs. South Carolina State | GHOE season opener |
Oct 11 | Delaware State vs. Southern Connecticut State | Dover celebration |
Oct 25 | 🔥 Howard vs. Morgan State | D.C. showdown |
Oct 25 | Norfolk State vs. South Carolina State | Norfolk tradition |
Oct 25 | NC Central vs. Delaware State | Eagles finale crowd |
🔴 CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Oct 11 | 🔥 Fayetteville State vs. Livingstone | CIAA main event |
Oct 18 | Virginia Union vs. Lincoln (PA) | Home field energy |
Oct 18 | Winston‑Salem State vs. Livingstone | WS buzz |
Oct 18 | Shaw vs. Johnson C. Smith | Rivalry vibes |
🟠 SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Oct 18 | 🔥 Morehouse vs. Lane College | Housecoming! |
Oct 18 | Albany State vs. Tuskegee | Gold Rush feel |
Oct 18 | Miles vs. Clark Atlanta | Birmingham-based joy |
Oct 25 | Clark Atlanta vs. Edward Waters | Campus-heavy weekend |
Oct 25 | Savannah State vs. Morehouse | Final home rally |
🟡 NAIA & Independents
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Sept 27 | 🔥 Alcorn State vs. Arkansas–Pine Bluff | Southern Heritage Classic |
Sept 27 | Virginia Union vs. Miles | Black College HOF Classic |
Oct 18 | Florida Memorial vs. Warner | Florida energy |
Oct 11 | Langston vs. Arkansas Baptist | OK homecoming energy |
Oct 11 | Morgan State vs. Virginia–Lynchburg | Home city showcase |
Oct 18 | Texas Southern vs. Virginia–Lynchburg |
Destinations
HBCU Festival 2025 at the Mann Center | TD Bank Presents One of the Nation’s Largest HBCU Events

PHILADELPHIA, PA | May 17, 2025 – The HBCU Festival presented by TD Bank returns to the Mann Center for the Performing Arts with a dynamic and inspiring event celebrating the culture, education, and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Over 30,000 attendees are expected as this free community festival features: 🎓 College Fair – 25+ HBCUs including Howard, Cheyney, Morgan State & Tuskegee 💼 Career Fair – Connect with local employers, trade unions, and apprenticeships 🎭 Live Performances – HBCU drumlines, choirs, cheer squads & more 🏥 Wellness Zone – Free health screenings & community resources 🎶 Master Classes – HBCU-led workshops for Philly high schoolers 🍴 Food, Fun & Family Activities – All-day experiences for everyone! Special Performers Include: The Aeolians of Oakwood University Howard University Gospel Choir Cold Steel Drumline & Cool Mist Dancers (NC A&T) Powerhouse of Red & White (Winston Salem State University) Jeremy Winston Chorale International Presented by: TD Bank Hosted at: The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Fairmount Park ⏰ Time: 11AM – 5PM 🎟 FREE Admission | Register at: https://manncenter.org/hbcu Let us know in the comments which performance or school you’re most excited about! 🎉 #HBCUFestival #HBCUPride #MannCenter2025
Destinations
🌸 Discover, Explore & Bloom: A Springtime Escape to Longwood Gardens! 🌿HBCU Students and Colleges!

Hey HBCU students and college scholars everywhere—looking for the perfect spring escape? Come explore the beauty, peace, and inspiration waiting for you at Longwood Gardens, one of the premier horticultural display gardens in the United States. Nestled in the Brandywine Creek Valley in Kennett Square, PA, Longwood spans over 1,100 acres of vibrant gardens, lush woodlands, and tranquil meadows. This season, new is in bloom—and you’re invited to be a part of it. 🌱 What’s Fresh This Spring? ✨ Brand-new Bonsai Courtyard – Discover the art of miniature trees in a stunning outdoor display. 🌼 Redesigned Idea Garden – A fresh space filled with creative planting concepts and seasonal color. 🌳 Gorgeous Outdoor Landscapes – Expanded beauty, perfect for strolls, study breaks, and photos. 🌺 Plant Lover’s Paradise With over 10,000 species and varieties representing 200 plant families, Longwood is a living classroom and breathtaking destination for anyone curious about nature, botany, or simply in need of a scenic recharge. Whether you’re here for inspiration, relaxation, or a weekend adventure, this is the place to bloom this spring. 📍 Visit Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, PA 📸 Don’t forget to tag us in your favorite photos: #HBCUOriginal #SpringIntoNew #LongwoodGardens Let’s grow, learn, and thrive—together.
Destinations
National Museum of African American History and Culture Tour | HBCU Original Explores Black History

“Join HBCU Original as we explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. 🌟 From the moving Slavery and Freedom exhibits to the vibrant galleries celebrating African American music, art, sports, and innovation, this museum showcases the resilience, brilliance, and culture of Black Americans throughout history. 📍 Located on the National Mall, this Smithsonian institution is a must-visit destination for everyone seeking to understand the full scope of American history. Plan your visit: National Museum of African American History and Culture Official Website ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more HBCU-inspired adventures and cultural insights. Stay original, stay proud! #NMAAHC #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackExcellence #HBCUOriginal #Smithsonian #BlackCulture #WashingtonDC #MuseumTour #AmericanHistory #CulturalHeritage
HBCU ORIGINAL
Morehouse and Clark Atlanta Receive New Helmets from Arthur M. Blank Foundation and Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA — Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University Football Programs Receive New Helmets Through Arthur M. Blank Foundation Grant
Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University are kicking off the 2025 football season with a major boost to player safety. Thanks to a generous grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, both HBCU programs have received brand-new football helmets featuring cutting-edge technology designed to enhance student-athlete health and safety.
Chris Millman, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Sports Philanthropy at AMB Sports and Entertainment, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“We are proud to support the football programs at these historic institutions through this grant. Player health and safety is paramount at every level of the game, and the technological advancements in helmet design over the last five years have been remarkable. We’re pleased to help these teams prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes.”
Harold Ellis, Director of Athletics at Morehouse College, expressed deep appreciation for the gift:
“Morehouse Athletics is grateful for this opportunity. The new helmets will significantly enhance player safety and provide our Maroon Tigers with top-level protection as they take the field this season. We thank the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for their generosity and for forming a meaningful partnership that supports our commitment to a safe and empowering student-athlete experience.”
Clark Atlanta University Head Coach Teddy Keaton also acknowledged the broader impact of the donation:
“This is more than just new gear—it’s an investment in the future and well-being of our young men. We are thankful to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for recognizing the importance of protecting our players both on and off the field. These helmets symbolize progress, purpose, and the strength of partnership.”
About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Founded in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation works to transform lives and communities by bringing people together to address critical issues. The foundation has awarded over $1.5 billion to causes across its core focus areas: Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health & Well-Being, and Youth Development.
The foundation also supports essential Atlanta institutions such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Shepherd Center, along with founder-led initiatives focused on veterans, military families, and individuals who stutter. For more information, visit www.blankfoundation.org.
Photo Credit: David Collins, Morehouse College Office of Institutional Advancement.
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