It's Championship Sunday!
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)
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The Lady Panthers and Lady Wildcats split the regular season meetings
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Philander Smith won 68-62 in Little Rock on January 13 and Wiley won 78-68 in Marshall on January 23.
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Wiley's win was its first against Philander Smith as a member of the HBCU Athletic Conference and first since 2021.
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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.
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Philander Smith knocked off No. 1 Stillman College 62-50 in the semifinals
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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.
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The Lady Panthers are making their third appearance in the championship in the last four years and fourth since 2012.
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They are seeking their second title after winning in 2020.
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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.
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Wiley is making its first championship game appearance since joining the HBCU Athletic Conference in 2022. It's their third in program history.
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It reached the Red River Athletic Conference final in 2008 and won in 2013
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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)
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The Bleu Devils and Panthers meet in the championship game for the second consecutive season.
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Philander Smith won 85-67 last season. They won both games against Dillard in the regular season
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The Panthers won 80-77 in Little Rock and 87-77 in New Orleans
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Philander Smith knocked off No. 1 Stillman College 79-69 on Friday
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Raymond Reece led all scorers with 22 points to go along with nine rebounds. Amorey Womack followed with 17 points and four assists
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The Panthers reach the championship for the fourth straight season and seventh time since 2012.
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They are seeking their third title. Along with last season, they won in 2013.
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Along with last season's final, the Panthers and Bleu Devils met in the 2018 semifinals, 2017 championship, 2016 semifinals, 2013 championship
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Dillard won in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and Philander Smith won in 2013
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The Bleu Devils edged No. 7 Wilberforce University 89-80 in double overtime.
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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.
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Dillard is making its sixth championship game appearance.
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It three-peated the title, winning 2016-2018
