Sports

2025 MEAC Basketball Tournament: Everything You Need to Know

Published

8 months ago

March 7, 2025

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Basketball Tournament is back, bringing electrifying action, fierce rivalries, and the fight for a spot in the NCAA Tournament! The 2025 MEAC Basketball Tournament is set to take place from March 10-15, 2025, at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. As always, this tournament will showcase some of the best talent in HBCU basketball, with teams battling for conference supremacy and an automatic bid to the Big Dance.

Tournament Overview

The MEAC Tournament will feature both men’s and women’s teams, with top-seeded squads looking to make their mark in conference history. Teams will compete in a single-elimination format, with the winner earning the conference championship title and securing a spot in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Men’s Tournament Preview

Teams to Watch

This season has been full of surprises, with several MEAC men’s programs making strong cases as contenders. Here are some teams to keep an eye on:

Norfolk State Spartans – As defending champions, the Spartans will be looking to repeat their success and cement their dynasty in the MEAC.
Howard Bison – A program on the rise, Howard’s squad has demonstrated impressive depth and skill throughout the season.
North Carolina Central Eagles – A perennial powerhouse in the MEAC, expect NCCU to bring their trademark intensity to the tournament.
Morgan State Bears – With a high-powered offense and strong defensive presence, the Bears could make a deep run this year.

Players to Watch

The MEAC has long been a breeding ground for top-tier basketball talent. In 2025, several standout players are expected to leave their mark on the tournament:

Joe Bryant Jr. (Norfolk State) – The veteran guard brings leadership and a clutch shooting ability that could be key in the Spartans’ title defense.
Kobe Dickson (Howard) – A versatile forward who dominates in the paint and on the boards.
Justin Wright (NCCU) – One of the best playmakers in the MEAC, Wright’s ability to control the game will be crucial for the Eagles.
Keith McGee (Morgan State) – A dynamic scorer who can light up the scoreboard from anywhere on the court.

Women’s Tournament Preview

Teams to Watch

The MEAC women’s tournament will be just as competitive, with several strong programs looking to claim the championship title. Key teams to follow include:

Norfolk State Lady Spartans – The reigning champions will aim to defend their title with a strong defensive game and disciplined play.
Howard Lady Bison – Always a contender, Howard’s women’s team has shown resilience and depth throughout the season.
Coppin State Eagles – A dark horse in this year’s tournament, Coppin State has demonstrated solid teamwork and a strong defensive presence.
Morgan State Lady Bears – A balanced team with a potent offense, they could make a surprising run in the tournament.

Players to Watch

Camille Downs (Norfolk State) – A top performer who excels in both scoring and defense, making her a key asset for the Lady Spartans.
Destiny Howell (Howard) – A sharpshooter with the ability to take over games and lead her team to victory.
Hope Evans (Coppin State) – Known for her agility and playmaking skills, Evans is a player to watch in the tournament.
Charlene Shepherd (Morgan State) – A dominant force in the paint, she will be crucial for the Lady Bears’ success.

Tournament Schedule

First Round: March 10-11
Quarterfinals: March 12
Semifinals: March 14
Championship Game: March 15

All games will be broadcast on ESPN networks, with the championship game airing live on ESPN2.

Why This Year’s Tournament is Special

The 2025 MEAC Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With teams bringing top-notch talent, passionate fan bases, and an intense drive to win, this year’s tournament promises non-stop action. Additionally, the atmosphere at Norfolk Scope Arena—one of the most historic venues for HBCU basketball—will be electric, as alumni, students, and supporters rally behind their squads.

How to Watch

Can’t make it to Norfolk? No problem! Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ for early rounds, while the semifinals and championship game will be televised on ESPN2. Stay tuned to MEACSports.com for ticket information, game updates, and live coverage.

Final Thoughts

With intense matchups, legendary HBCU pride, and a ticket to the NCAA Tournament on the line, the 2025 MEAC Basketball Tournament is an event you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re attending in person or watching from home, get ready for a week filled with buzzer-beaters, highlight-reel dunks, and unforgettable moments. Who will cut down the nets and earn the right to represent the MEAC on the national stage?

Stay locked in for all the action, and may the best team win!

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HBCU ORIGINAL

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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🏈 Lincoln University (PA) Lions Fall 4-0 to Chestnut Hill, But Display Heart and Resilience

Published

8 hours ago

October 19, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

Final Score: Chestnut Hill 4, Lincoln (PA) 0

Scoring Summary:

20:21 – Chelsea Ritter (CHC) PENALTY KICK GOAL
33:29 – Abigail Collins (CHC), Assist: Shaina Klos
68:11 – Abigail Collins (CHC)
86:57 – Rebecca Dalton (CHC), Assist: Bryce Westervelt

Key Lincoln Stats:

Shots on Goal: 1
Saves: 10 (Lourraine De Luna)
Corner Kicks: 0
Fouls: 4

Game Recap:
Lincoln University (PA) faced a tough opponent in Chestnut Hill, but the Lions never gave up. Keeper Lourraine De Luna was phenomenal, racking up 10 saves to keep her team in the fight. Despite falling 4-0, Lincoln showed HBCU pride, resilience, and determination, pushing hard on every possession and displaying flashes of offensive potential.

Chestnut Hill dominated possession, but Lincoln’s defense and effort underlined the team’s commitment to growth and representing the HBCU community. The Lions continue to fight for their first win of the season, gaining valuable experience along the way.

HBCU Original was on the scene to capture every save, tackle, and moment of pride. 🎥🔥

HBCU ORIGINAL

Delaware State Falls Short vs. Monmouth, 49–38

Published

2 weeks ago

October 4, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

The Hornets showed heart from start to finish, going toe-to-toe with Monmouth in a high-scoring contest that ended 49–38. Despite the loss, Delaware State displayed major offensive firepower and resilience on the road.

🏈 Game Highlights:

Marquis Gillis was unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown, setting the tone early for the Hornets’ offense.
Quarterback James Jones powered in a short rushing score, keeping the Hornets within striking distance.
The Hornet defense battled to contain a hot Monmouth offense led by Derek Robertson, who threw for four touchdowns — but Delaware State never backed down.

🔥 What’s Next:
Delaware State looks to carry this momentum into MEAC play, building on its offensive rhythm and toughness heading into the next matchup.

#MEACFootball #DelState #HBCUFootball #HornetPride #HBCUOriginal

Sports

“Morgan State Comes Back to Defeat North Carolina Central University in Five-Set Thriller”

Published

2 weeks ago

October 4, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct. 1, 2025) – The Morgan State volleyball team welcomed North Carolina Central (NCCU) to Hill Field House on Friday, Oct. 3 for a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup at 6 p.m. The game was Morgan State’s ‘Pink Out’ match, with fans encouraged to wear pink in support.

Morgan State came into the match at 4-8 overall, 1-1 MEAC, looking to rebound from a heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Howard. The Bears had fallen behind 2-0 before dropping the final three sets, including a narrow 15-12 defeat in the fifth.

Key performances vs. Howard:

Daniela Ferreira: career-high 23 kills
Isabelle Brown: 43 assists
Hanna Nemeth: 13 digs
Jada Williams: seven blocks
Aubrey Wilson: five blocks

NCCU (4-10, 1-1 MEAC) entered the contest on a two-match losing streak, including a 3-0 road loss at Charleston Southern. Standouts included Summer Campbell (four kills), Tayah Little and Allyson Rouse (three kills each), Loren Johnson (12 digs), and Neira Joldic (eight assists).

Series History:

NCCU leads the all-time series 7-4, winning seven of the last eight meetings.
Last season, the teams split the series: Morgan State swept at home (10/4/24) and NCCU won in five sets on the road (11/1/24).

Match Result: October 3, 2025

Morgan State pulled off a thrilling five-set victory over NCCU, winning 3-2.

Set Scores: 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-11

Impact on the Teams:

Morgan State: Record improves to 2-1 MEAC, 5-8 overall.
NCCU: Falls to 1-2 MEAC, 4-11 overall.

The Bears showed resilience coming back from a 0-2 deficit to claim the win! 💪

Player Highlights & Milestones

Jada Williams: Moved into 7th on Morgan State’s all-time blocks list with 247 career blocks.
Aubrey Wilson: Reached 100 career blocks, currently 17th in program history.
Isabelle Brown: Freshman setter named MEAC Setter of the Week, directing Morgan’s offense with 107 assists over three matches.

Looking Ahead

Morgan State will host South Carolina State in a MEAC match on Sunday, Oct. 5. First serve is at 1 p.m. at Hill Field House.

HBCU ORIGINAL

“Rivalry on Fire: Morehouse Battles Howard at MetLife!”

Published

1 month ago

September 5, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 01:00 PM

Get ready for an electrifying showdown as the HBCU NY Football Classic returns to MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025!

This premier HBCU football event in the Northeast promises heart-pounding action as Morehouse College takes on Howard University. Two of the nation’s most storied programs will clash on the gridiron, each vying for victory and bragging rights in front of thousands of passionate fans.

Fans can expect a full day of excitement, from pre-game festivities and marching band performances to halftime entertainment that celebrates HBCU culture and tradition. The rivalry is fierce, the stakes are high, and the energy in the stadium is bound to be unforgettable.

Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making at the HBCU NY Football Classic – where tradition, pride, and football excellence collide!

HBCU ORIGINAL

Dillard’s Davison, Wilberforce’s Howard, and Wiley’s Russell Claim Week 1 HBCUAC Cross Country Honors

Published

1 month ago

September 5, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

NEW ORLEANS – September 2, 2025 – The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) announced its Week 1 cross country weekly awards, recognizing standout performances from August 25-31.

Women’s Honors:
Dillard University freshman Karlise Davison made a sensational debut, earning both Runner of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. Davison broke the Dillard four-kilometer school record, cementing herself as a rising star in the HBCUAC women’s cross country scene. Her record-setting performance has set high expectations for the season ahead.

Men’s Honors:
On the men’s side, Wilberforce University freshman Skyaqui Howard was named Runner and Freshman of the Week after leading the Bulldogs at the Wilberforce Invitational. In his first collegiate meet, Howard clocked 17:56.7, finishing seventh among 23 competitors from NCAA Division II and NCCAA programs.

Wiley University’s John Russell, a transfer from Ranger College, claimed Newcomer of the Week following his performance at Texas Christian University’s John MacKenzie Invitational. Competing against NCAA Division I athletes from TCU, Texas A&M, and Tarleton State, Russell completed the five-kilometer course in 19:38, showcasing his readiness to contribute at the HBCUAC level.

Additional men’s weekly nominees included Quante Ferguson (Talladega), Javoun Goldsby (Wiley), Earl Hurd Jr. (Wiley), Phillip Isaac (Dillard), and K’Mon Washington (Dillard), highlighting the depth of talent across the conference.

The HBCUAC continues to spotlight emerging athletes and exceptional performances in cross country, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.