SUNO Defeats Tougaloo 84-81 in Overtime to Win 2026 HBCUAC Men’s Basketball Championship

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) captured the 2026 Hope Credit Union Men’s Basketball Championship with a thrilling 84–81 overtime victory over Tougaloo College at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

Center Dorian Booker delivered a dominant performance for the Knights, finishing with 26 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, and a pair of steals. He was also the game’s “Iron Man,” playing 43 minutes for the Knights.

Booker, along with the entire starting lineup, led SUNO's offensive attack with double-digit scoring. Donte Briggs added 16 points, Jaylon Hicks contributed 12 (just one rebound shy of a double-double with nine boards), while Jermain Lawrence and Caleb Williams chipped in 10 points apiece.

Tougaloo received a strong spark off the bench from reserve guard Tyler Hudson, who poured in 21 points while adding five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Antonio Patterson amassed 19 points, six rebounds, and three steals, and Willie Anderson contributed 11 points and eight rebounds in the loss.

The Knights completed the first half leading 35-30, scoring at 41 percent for the floor with Dorian Booker pouring in 14 points and hauling in 5 rebounds.

Late-game drama unfolded as Tougaloo erased a two-point deficit in the closing seconds of regulation. With 20.2 seconds remaining, Patterson drilled a mid-range jumper to knot the score at 72.

SUNO had a chance to hold for the final shot, but Tougaloo’s defense forced a fourth straight turnover, trapping Briggs along the baseline, causing him to step out of bounds with 14.2 seconds left.

Tougaloo’s Anderson couldn’t connect on a three-pointer from the corner with no time remaining, sending the championship game into overtime.

In the extra period, SUNO’s defense and free-throw execution proved decisive. With 4.3 seconds remaining, Patterson fouled Caleb Williams, who split a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 84–80. Tougaloo grabbed the rebound after the missed second attempt.

Young’s desperation three-pointer from the top of the arc rimmed out as time expired, allowing the SUNO Knights to become the 2026 HBCUAC Men’s Basketball champions.

Published 1 hour ago

KYLE MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends. Former founder and publisher of the Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on SI since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Collegiate Head Coach), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Mark Ingram (NFL RB), Terron Armstead (NFL OL), Jameis Winston (NFL QB), Cam Newton (NFL QB), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Chennis Berry (Collegiate Head Coach), Johnny Jones (Collegiate Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Women's Basketball Coach), Tremaine Jackson (Collegiate Head Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (Former VP of Basketball - New Orleans Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

Follow ktmoze

Home/Basketball