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SUNO Wins First Conference Title Since 2012

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March 1, 2026 – Tuscaloosa, AL – In a thrilling HBCUAC championship showdown, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) defeated top-seeded Tougaloo University 84-81 in overtime, capturing its first conference title since 2012. The Knights overcame an early 0-7 deficit and multiple double-digit holes in regulation, forcing overtime at 72-72 before taking control in the extra period. In a full-circle moment, SUNO defeated the same opponent they beat 14 years ago to win the championship.

Standout Performances

Dorian Booker dominated inside, scoring 26 points with 14 rebounds and clutch free throws that anchored SUNO’s effort. Donte Briggs contributed 16 points, including perfect 4-of-4 free throws in overtime, while Jaylon Hicks added 12 points and critical defense, including a pivotal three-pointer in OT. Caleb Williams provided steady leadership with 10 points and key late-game free throws, and Jermaine Lawrence anchored the interior defense, limiting Tougaloo’s second-chance opportunities.

Championship-Clutch Moments

Trailing 70-72 in the final seconds of regulation, SUNO tied the game at 72 with clutch free throws from Briggs. Tougaloo’s final shot missed, sending the game to overtime. Hicks’ three-pointer gave SUNO a 75-72 lead, and Williams’ free throw with 0:04 remaining sealed the 84-81 victory.

3/1/26 HBCUAC Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament SUNO vs Tougaloo (Final)
Photo by Trent Spruell

3/1/26 HBCUAC Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament SUNO vs Tougaloo (Final)
Photo by Trent Spruell

3/1/26 HBCUAC Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament SUNO vs Tougaloo (Final)
Photo by Trent Spruell

Coach James A. Matthews, III: A Journey Realized

This championship is especially meaningful for Head Coach James A. Matthews, III, who joined SUNO in 2014 as a volunteer, sweeping floors and washing uniforms. Now, as Director of Athletics and Head Coach, Matthews has guided the Knights from a two-win relaunch season in 2022-23 to HBCUAC champions with a 17-13 record. “This title proves the power of second chances,” Matthews said. “These young men believed when no one else did.”

All-Tournament Honors

  • Donte Briggs – Tournament MVP

  • Dorian Booker – All-Tournament Team

  • Jaylon Hicks – All-Tournament Team

The SUNO Knights now await their opening-round matchup in the 2026 NAIA Championship, carrying the faith, grit, and momentum that fueled their historic HBCUAC victory.

Credit: sunoathletics.com

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SWAC Outdoor Track & Field — Jackson State Breaks Through, FAMU Stays on Top

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The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.

Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.

On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.

Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.

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SIAC Outdoor Track & Field — Morehouse and Tuskegee Capture 2026 Championships

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The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.

On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.

On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.

Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.

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Voorhees & Dillard Lead New Conference Era | HBCUAC Outdoor Track & Field

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The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.

Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.

Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.

The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.

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OVC Outdoor Track & Field — Eastern Illinois & Southeast Missouri Take Control, Tennessee State Battles in the Mix

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The Ohio Valley Conference delivered a high-level championship meet in Little Rock as Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles, while Tennessee State fought to stay inside the top tier.

Eastern Illinois captured the men’s championship with a powerful overall team performance, using depth across sprints, distance, and field events to hold off a competitive field. Southeast Missouri stayed right behind the pace, finishing runner-up behind a balanced scoring attack that kept pressure on throughout the meet.

On the women’s side, Southeast Missouri dominated the field to secure the OVC crown, led by consistent scoring across multiple event groups and a strong closing push in the final sessions. Eastern Illinois again finished near the top, locking in runner-up status and showing its program-wide strength on both sides of competition.

Tennessee State was the key HBCU presence in the conference, finishing in the middle of the standings on both the men’s and women’s side. The Tigers showed flashes in sprints, hurdles, and relays, but lacked the depth needed to break into the championship tier against the OVC’s top programs.

The meet reinforced Southeast Missouri’s growing conference dominance while Eastern Illinois remains a consistent championship contender on both sides.

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MEAC Outdoor Track & Field — Norfolk State & Howard Continue Dynasty Control

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The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.

On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.

On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.

MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.

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