PHILADELPHIA — The Delaware State Hornets continued their non-conference slate Thursday night, facing a determined Saint Joseph’s squad in a 67–51 contest that showcased resilience, youth development, and flashes of defensive intensity from the Hornets.

After a slow shooting start, Delaware State settled in and found its rhythm midway through the first half, cutting the deficit to just three points at 15–12 following a strong response on both ends of the floor. The Hornets battled through early pressure, showing poise and defensive commitment against a hot-shooting Hawks lineup.

Saint Joseph’s took advantage of perimeter shooting early, building momentum heading into halftime, but Delaware State refused to fold. The Hornets continued to compete after the break, answering runs and playing with energy as the game progressed.

Delaware State showed improved ball movement and defensive presence in the second half, working to close the gap after Saint Joseph’s extended its lead. Despite the final margin, the Hornets’ late push reflected their persistence and growth, particularly against a short-handed but aggressive opponent.

As the season continues, Delaware State remains focused on building chemistry, tightening execution, and turning these competitive moments into wins as conference play approaches.

Final Score: Saint Joseph’s 67, Delaware State 51

PHILADELPHIA — Ose Okojie delivered a composed, physical performance on both ends, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds as Howard held off Drexel, 74-66, on Tuesday night.

The victory marked Howard’s fourth straight win and its first true road victory of the season after three previous attempts. The Bison (8-5) controlled the game early and leaned on efficiency and free-throw shooting down the stretch to seal the win inside Drexel’s home arena.

Howard shot nearly 48 percent from the field and an impressive 92 percent at the free-throw line, knocking down 23 of 25 attempts. Cam Gillus filled the stat sheet with 16 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Bryce Harris scored 13 points, including seven free throws. Cedric Taylor III added 12 points, punctuating the Bison’s late-game composure with a key layup in the final two minutes.

The Bison seized control early, building a 36-25 halftime lead behind Okojie’s 11 first-half points and Gillus’ perimeter shooting. A Gillus three midway through the opening half gave Howard a lead it would not relinquish after the first two minutes of play, with the margin ballooning to as many as 16 points.

Drexel (4-7) made multiple pushes in the second half behind a career night from Kevon Vanderhorst. The guard poured in 30 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including four three-pointers, and went 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. Villiam Garcia Adsten chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the Dragons.

Despite Drexel cutting the deficit to single digits late, Howard’s rebounding advantage (36-22) and poise at the line proved decisive. Okojie secured the defensive rebound on Drexel’s final missed free throw with eight seconds remaining, effectively closing the door.

Howard never trailed after taking a 7-5 lead early in the first half, continuing to show growth away from home as it builds momentum heading deeper into the season.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — December 9, 2025.
In front of 1,694 fans inside the Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena, Coppin State stepped into a tough non-conference road test against a red-hot Saint Joseph’s squad. The Eagles competed with grit and energy throughout the night but ultimately fell, 87–65, as SJU extended its win streak.

For a Coppin team continuing to build chemistry and identity, the night was filled with individual bright spots and a strong showing from the bench.

Strong Individual Performances Highlight Coppin’s Fight

⭐ Nelson Lamizana Sets the Tone

Junior forward Nelson Lamizana delivered a team-high 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting, adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His versatility sparked Coppin early and kept the Eagles within reach during key stretches.

🔥 Tyler Koenig Continues His Rise

Koenig added 11 points, battling in the paint and knocking down all three free throws. He also grabbed 4 rebounds and provided steady interior presence.

💪 Bench Brings Energy: 29 Points

Coppin State’s bench was a major bright spot, contributing a strong 29 points:

• Favour Aire: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 4-for-4 at the line.

• Hussain Williams: 7 points, including a deep three.

• Jamari Piercy: 7 points on 3-of-4 shooting.

• Torrin Andrews: Active defensively with 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and a three-pointer.

The Eagles shot 43.9% from the field and an impressive 84.6% at the free throw line, showing improved offensive efficiency—especially in the second half.

Game Flow: Eagles Strike First, Hawks Answer With Runs

Coppin State opened the game strong, taking a 7–4 lead in the first five minutes through tough defense and patient execution.

Saint Joseph’s responded with a 14–1 run that shifted momentum, but Coppin stayed composed and continued to attack.

A late SJU burst sent the Eagles into halftime trailing 43–26.

In the second half, Coppin State played its best basketball of the night—shooting 48% from the floor and hitting all seven free throws. The Eagles pushed the tempo, scored 32 points in the paint, and generated 12 fast break points.

Despite the Hawks maintaining a 20-point cushion, Coppin State’s growth on both ends was evident.

Saint Joseph’s Big Night

SJU was led by Jaiden Glover-Toscano’s career-high 25 points and seven threes, while the Hawks’ ball movement (22 assists on 26 baskets) and free-throw shooting (21-of-24) helped them stay in control.

Justice Ajogbor’s 10 points and 7 boards were boosted by a historic milestone—his 200th career block, placing him among Division I’s elite rim protectors.

Coppin State Team Stats Snapshot

• 65 Points

• 43.9% FG (25–57)

• 22.2% 3PT (4–18)

• 84.6% FT (11–13)

• 26 Rebounds

• 29 Bench Points

• 10 Points Off Turnovers

• 32 Points in the Paint

• 12 Fast Break Points

The Eagles tied the game once early and held the lead briefly before SJU’s offense found rhythm.

Looking Ahead

With MEAC play ahead, this matchup served as valuable preparation for Coppin State. The Eagles showed promise—especially from their young bench—and continue to grow with every outing.

Expect this team to make noise when conference battles begin.

Coppin’s effort, energy, and improving chemistry were on full display in Philadelphia.

December 7, 2025 – Wilmington, DE
In a matchup filled with pride, history, and high energy, Lincoln University (PA) secured a thrilling 85–77 victory over Cheyney University at the Philadelphia 76ers G-League Affiliate arena, the Chase Fieldhouse. The neutral-site showdown brought out 1,145 fans, creating a big-game atmosphere as both teams delivered a competitive and physical contest from start to finish.

With 19 lead changes and seven ties, this game was anything but predictable.

A Tight First Half

Both teams opened with confidence. Cheyney put together a strong first half behind efficient shooting and steady guard play, scoring 36 points before the break. But Lincoln responded with 40 points, powered by timely three-point shooting and hustle plays.

Jordan Sanders sparked the Lions early, knocking down four threes and finishing with 19 points. Freshman standout Julius Olanrewaju added a smooth and efficient 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting, helping Lincoln control momentum in key stretches.

Cheyney Fights Back

Cheyney’s balanced scoring kept them in striking distance all night:

• S.J. Hutchinson – 17 pts, 4 steals

• Joshua Blackmon – 13 pts, 3 threes

• D’Angelo Lake – 13 pts, 10 rebounds (double-double)

• Clyde Frasier – 13 pts, 4 assists

The Wolves thrived in the paint, scoring 46 interior points, while also adding 15 fast-break points and 13 second-chance points.

BJ Johnson Jr. Takes Over the Second Half

Lincoln’s X-factor was BJ Johnson Jr., who came off the bench and delivered one of the best performances of the season. Johnson scored a game-high 28 points, relentlessly attacking the rim and converting 10 of 13 at the free-throw line.

Whenever Cheyney made a run, Johnson answered—whether it was with a drive, a midrange pull-up, or a clutch steal.

Rebounding & Bench Depth Push Lincoln Ahead

Lincoln controlled the interior battle with a dominant 44–33 rebounding edge. Their bench was equally impactful, outscoring Cheyney’s reserves 35–21.

Other key Lions contributors included:

• Draven Pilson – 6 pts, 7 rebounds

• Gian-Paul Anderson – 9 rebounds, 4 steals

• Kesean Shillingford – perfect 3-for-3 shooting

• Amadou Fall – 5 pts and energy minutes on defense

Lincoln also turned 12 Cheyney turnovers into 18 points, a major deciding factor down the stretch.

Closing Moments

With under four minutes left, the Lions clamped down defensively and hit crucial free throws to seal the win. The atmosphere inside the Chase Fieldhouse intensified as Lincoln executed down the stretch, earning a well-deserved victory.

Lincoln improves to 2–4 (0–0 CIAA), while Cheyney drops to 1–5.

Final Score

Lincoln University (PA) 85
Cheyney University 77

December 7, 2025 – Wilmington, DE
In front of a lively crowd of over 1,000 fans at the Philadelphia 76ers G-League Affiliate arena, the Chase Fieldhouse, the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls pulled off a dramatic 50–49 buzzer-beater win over Lincoln University (PA).
The electric atmosphere set the stage for what became one of the most exciting finishes of the early CIAA women’s basketball season.

A Tight, Defensive Battle All Afternoon

Both teams brought physical, defense-first energy from the jump. The Golden Bulls held a slim 11–10 first-quarter lead, as both offenses worked to find rhythm against tough half-court pressure.

Lincoln leaned on its standout guard Kaziah Akinniyi, who kept the Lions within striking distance early and ultimately finished with a game-high 18 points.

Golden Bulls Grind Out First-Half Advantage

By halftime, Johnson C. Smith held a 24–20 lead thanks to their aggressiveness on the glass and steady scoring:

• La’Niya Simes – 17 points & 12 rebounds

• Tameia Shaw – 12 points, strong perimeter defense

• Salote Franklin – 7 points, 10 rebounds

The rebounding battle helped the Golden Bulls control the first 20 minutes.

Lincoln’s Third-Quarter Surge

The Lions came roaring back in the third quarter, outscoring Johnson C. Smith 16–13 behind improved ball movement and paint touches.

Riley Holliday’s 11 rebounds and the playmaking of Gibson and Burgess kept Lincoln within one possession heading into the fourth.

The Chase Fieldhouse crowd—packed with Lincoln supporters—began to swell with energy as the Lions closed the gap.

Fourth Quarter: Every Possession Matters

The final 10 minutes were a grind. Lincoln found success at the free-throw line, hitting 7 of 10 in the quarter, while Johnson C. Smith leaned on its defense and interior toughness.

With under 10 seconds left, Lincoln held a 49–48 lead, needing just one final stop.

But the Golden Bulls had other plans.

The Buzzer-Beater That Shocked the Building

Johnson C. Smith inbounded the ball with just seconds remaining. After a quick attack to the right side of the lane, La’Niya Simes got a clean look and banked in a short floater as the buzzer sounded.

The ball dropped through the net, silencing the Lincoln crowd and sending the Golden Bulls bench into a celebration sprint onto the court.

Lincoln’s players could only watch as the officials confirmed the shot counted.

Final Score – Women’s Basketball

Johnson C. Smith University 50
Lincoln University (PA) 49

The loss drops Lincoln to 1–7 (0–1 CIAA), while Johnson C. Smith improves to 3–3 (1–1 CIAA) in early conference play.