No. 4 Philander Smith, No. 5 Fisk advance on First Day of 2025 HBCUAC Basketball Championship
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - February 25, 2025 - The higher seeds prevailed on the first day of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference 2025 Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship as No. 4 seed Philander Smith University and No. 5 seed Fisk University will meet in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
WOMEN
No. 4 PHILANDER SMITH 70, No. 13 VIRGIN ISLANDS 59
Boxscore
In the opening round of the HBCUAC 2025 Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship, the No. 4 seed Philander Smith University women's basketball team secured a solid 70-59 victory over the No. 13 seed University of the Virgin Islands Thursday at Stillman College's Birthright Alumni Hall.
The Lady Panthers (17-10) demonstrated their prowess early in the contest, establishing a commanding lead of 38-23 by halftime. This initial dominance was augmented by strategic 3-pointers from Omoiye Jordan and Sidney Townsend that expanded their lead to over 20 early in the third quarter. Townsend's performance was particularly note-worthy, contributing 10 points.
Dasia Turner, star player for the Philander Smith, turned in a stellar performance scoring 26 points on an efficient 12-for-17 shooting, while also grabbing nine rebounds and blocking three shots. Supporting her, Miracle Thomas and Ashlyn Kimble made significant contributions, with Kimble dishing out six assists and securing six rebounds. The team's defensive efforts were highlighted by Thomas's four steals, playing a crucial role in limiting the advance of the Lady Buccaneers.
The University of the Virgin Islands (2-17) staged a late-game rally that saw Maliah LaCour scoring 19 points, supported by Ashukamay'ah Phillips with 15 and Kashay Bass 10. Despite their efforts, it was Philander Smith's early lead and sustained pressure that sealed their victory.
No. 5 FISK 71, No. 12 VOORHEES 54
Boxscore
In an assertive display of basketball prowess, the No. 5 Fisk University women's basketball team stamped its authority in the opening round of the HBCUAC 2025 Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship, overcoming the No. 12 seed Voorhees University with a decisive 71-54 victory Tuesday in Birthright Alumni Hall.
The game started with competitive energy as both teams vied for control, with Voorhees initially leading 12-10 late in the first quarter. A pivotal moment came when Courtney Lumpkins hit a crucial 3-pointer for Fisk, igniting a 19-point run and transitioning the lead to Fisk for the remainder of the contest. Key shots from Jayla Bibbs and Keeli Burton-Oliver expanded Fisk's lead to 18 points by halftime, at which point they led Voorhees 36-18. A defensively strong period saw Voorhees held scoreless for an extensive stretch of over seven minutes.
For Fisk (11-16), top scorers Burton-Oliver, Lumpkins, and Kayla Lee proved instrumental in their team's scoring achievements, contributing 19, 17, and 13 points respectively. Lumpkins not only added to the scoreboard but also dished out seven assists, demonstrating her all-around game. Burton-Oliver and Bibbs both showcased their rebounding skills, grabbing 10 and 11 rebounds, securing double-doubles.
Despite a late effort from Voorhees (14-15), spearheaded by Shy'Kiera Brown and Ty'Shemia Bunkley who trimmed the margin to 14, the Lady Bulldogs maintained their composure and secured their spot in the next stage of the tournament. Brown led the Lady Tigers with 15 points. Nedisha Ford and Bunkley followed with 14 and 10, respectively.
Fisk University's next challenge is set for Thursday, where they will face the No. 4 seed Philander Smith University in the quarterfinals at 4 p.m. at Birthright Alumni Hall. The Lady Panthers won the regular season matchup 64-46 on December 17 at Wilberforce University. This is the third straight season, they will meet in the postseason. They met in the semifinals the previous two seasons with Philander Smith winning in 2022 and Fisk coming out on top last season.
WEDNESDAY's OPENING ROUND GAMES
No. 6 Wiley University (12-13) vs. No. 11 Wilberforce University (11-15) Noon Live Stats
No. 7 Rust College (11-15) vs. No. 10 Southern University at New Orleans (8-18) 6 p.m. Live Stats
-HBCUAC-
About HBCU Athletic Conference
The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The HBCUAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Oakwood University (AL), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Stillman College (AL), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Voorhees University (SC), Wilberforce University (OH), and Wiley University (TX). HBCUAC sponsors championships in men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, women's volleyball, softball, and baseball. In 2022, the HBCUAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. On July 1, 2024, the conference rebranded from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to the HBCU Athletic Conference, marking a new era for the conference that embodies the makeup of its membership. For more information, visit hbcuac.org.