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HBCU Athletic Conference

It's Championship Sunday!

It's Championship Sunday!
March 2, 2025

New Kids on the Championship Block and a Rematch
Wiley University Lady Wildcats reach the women's finals for the first time as a member of the HBCUAC. Philander Smith Lady Panthers vie for a berth to national opening round two years after receiving their first at-large berth in program history.

Dillard and Philander Smith men face off in a rematch of the 2024 title game, where Philander Smith topped the Bleu Devils 86-67 in Birthright Alumni Hall.
The winners will receive the conference's second automatic berth to the NAIA Men's and Women's Basketball National Championship Opening Round.

Read about their road to the 'ship:
Women's Recaps
Men's Recaps

Women's Title Game
4 p.m. CT
No. 6 Wiley University Lady Wildcats
vs.
No. 4 Philander Smith University Panthers

Men's Title Game
7 p.m. CT
No. 5 Philander Smith Panthers
vs.
No. 3 Dillard Bleu Devils

 

CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES

WOMEN

No. 4 Philander Smith (19-10) vs. No. 6 Wiley University (15-13)

  • The Lady Panthers and Lady Wildcats split the regular season meetings

  • Philander Smith won 68-62 in Little Rock on January 13 and Wiley won 78-68 in Marshall on January 23.

  • Wiley's win was its first against Philander Smith as a member of the HBCU Athletic Conference and first since 2021.

  • The schools met in last season's quarterfinal with Philander Smith dominating 86-53. Kewaysha Alsup will be the only Lady Wildcat suiting up for this game.

  • Philander Smith knocked off No. 1 Stillman College 62-50 in the semifinals

  • Thomas led the Lady Panthers with 19 points off the bench, adding four rebounds and three assists. Turner recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

  • The Lady Panthers are making their third appearance in the championship in the last four years and fourth since 2012.

  • They are seeking their second title after winning in 2020.

  • The Lady Wildcats defeated No. 2 Dillard University 48-45 in overtime. Jessica Nerestant recorded 14 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, including one at the end of regulation. Celebria Peacock scored 13 points and hit three 3-pointers.

  • Wiley is making its first championship game appearance since joining the HBCU Athletic Conference in 2022. It's their third in program history.

  • It reached the Red River Athletic Conference final in 2008 and won in 2013

  • The Lady Wildcats are seeking their first NAIA Tournament Berth since 2015

 

MEN

No. 3 DILLARD (18-11) vs. No. 5 PHILANDER SMITH (22-8)

  • The Bleu Devils and Panthers meet in the championship game for the second consecutive season.

  • Philander Smith won 85-67 last season. They won both games against Dillard in the regular season

  • The Panthers won 80-77 in Little Rock and 87-77 in New Orleans

  • Philander Smith knocked off No. 1 Stillman College 79-69 on Friday

  • Raymond Reece led all scorers with 22 points to go along with nine rebounds. Amorey Womack followed with 17 points and four assists

  • The Panthers reach the championship for the fourth straight season and seventh time since 2012. 

  • They are seeking their third title. Along with last season, they won in 2013.

  • Along with last season's final, the Panthers and Bleu Devils met in the 2018 semifinals, 2017 championship, 2016 semifinals, 2013 championship

  • Dillard won in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and Philander Smith won in 2013

  • The Bleu Devils edged No. 7 Wilberforce University 89-80 in double overtime. 

  • Five Bleu Devils finished in double-digits led by Justin Warren's 19. He added seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Bentravin Phillips followed with 17 points. Khalif Allim recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

  • Dillard is making its sixth championship game appearance.

  • It three-peated the title, winning 2016-2018