Knights get Homecoming win as Gibson and Hicks combine for 47 points

NEW ORLEANS [October 27, 2025] – Southern University at New Orleans men's basketball opened its 2025-26 season in thrilling fashion Saturday afternoon, defeating Texas A&M–San Antonio 86–81 in front of a packed Homecoming crowd inside The Castle.

Freshman Jaylon Hicks electrified fans in his SUNO debut, posting a game-high 24 points to go along with six assists, five rebounds, a steal, and a block. The high-flying wing made clutch plays on both ends, pushing the tempo and creating scoring opportunities for the Knights throughout the contest.

Reigning HBCUAC Player of the Year Jamal "Tall" Gibson picked up right where he left off, turning in a dominant 23-point, 17-rebound performance — his first double-double of the new season. Gibson also recorded four assists, three steals, and two blocks, anchoring the Knights defensively while controlling the paint.

SUNO came out on fire in the first half, shooting nearly 49 percent from the field and 41 percent from three. A pair of back-to-back triples from Caleb Williams helped fuel a 15–3 run that pushed the Knights ahead by 22 points — their largest lead of the afternoon. Gibson and Hicks connected multiple times in transition, including a highlight assist from Gibson to Hicks that capped off the first half with a 52–34 SUNO advantage.

Texas A&M–San Antonio battled back in the second half behind timely shooting from Josean Dembo and Carson Brown, trimming the Knights' lead to single digits in the final minute. But Hicks sealed the deal at the free-throw line, hitting three of his final four attempts, beforeWilliams iced the game with two free throws with four seconds remaining.

Williams finished with 13 points on 3-of-4 shooting from deep, while Donte Briggs added nine points and three assists. The Knights shot 45 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Roadrunners 46–45.

SUNO will look to build on its 1–0 start when it travels to take on its next opponent - crosstown rival Xavier University - on Wednesday, October 29 at Xavier. Game time is set for 7 PM.

Final Score: SUNO 86, Texas A&M–San Antonio 81
Player of the Game: Jamal Gibson – 23 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
Freshman Standout: Jaylon Hicks – 24 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds

-SUNOKNIGHTLIFE-

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