Knights Overwhelm Dillard 77-67 at The Castle, Move to 4-1 in the West Division

NEW ORLEANS [December 10, 2025]– The Southern University at New Orleans Knights snapped a three-game losing streak to rival Dillard University in dominant fashion Tuesday night, defeating the Bleu Devils 77-67 at The Castle to seize sole possession of second place in the HBCU Athletic Conference West Division.

 

With the victory, SUNO improves to 5-7 overall and 4-1 in conference play, handing Dillard (7-5, 3-2) its second conference loss of the season. The Knights never trailed in the second half and built their largest lead of 20 points late in the game, showcasing the balanced attack and defensive intensity that has defined their recent success.

 

"This was a huge win for our program," said Head Coach James A. Matthews, III after snapping the Bleu Devils' recent dominance in the rivalry. "Dillard had beaten us three straight times, so our guys came in with something to prove tonight. I thought our defense in the second half was outstanding – we forced them into tough shots and capitalized on their turnovers. When Caleb got hot from three, that really opened things up for us. And having Jaylon and Pop play at this level after getting those conference honors, that's what we need from our leaders. We shot nearly 50 percent from the field as a team, we took care of the basketball, and we controlled the boards. That's winning basketball, and it puts us in great position in the conference standings."

Freshman sensation Jaylon Hicks, fresh off being named HBCU Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week for the third time on Monday, put on a show with a game-high 16 points to go along with three assists, three steals, and two blocks. The dynamic guard was relentless on both ends, igniting a crucial second-half run that put the game out of reach. Hicks scored the first basket of the game and converted a pivotal and-one opportunity late in the first half, then helped SUNO pull away with timely buckets throughout the second period.

 

Dorian "Pop" Booker, who earned his second Newcomer of the Week honor on Monday, dominated the paint with a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double while adding three assists and two blocks. Booker's physical presence was felt throughout, as he controlled the glass and converted key baskets during SUNO's decisive runs. His free throws with 17:24 remaining in the first half gave the Knights their first lead, and he never let Dillard establish an interior presence.

 

The Knights put four players in double figures, showcasing the depth that has fueled their conference success. Donte Briggs added 14 points and dished out three assists while being a constant threat from beyond the arc and in transition. His 3-pointer at 6:04 of the first half gave SUNO a 22-19 lead they would never relinquish.

Caleb Williams provided a crucial spark, scoring all 11 of his points in the second half on an efficient 3-for-5 shooting from three-point range. Williams' trio of consecutive triples in a span of just over two minutes midway through the second half turned a close game into a rout, extending SUNO's lead from nine to 14 points and deflating Dillard's comeback hopes.

 

After taking a slim 36-31 halftime advantage, the Knights came out firing in the second half. Williams' hot shooting helped SUNO build a double-digit lead that ballooned to 20 points at 76-56 with 1:58 remaining – the Knights' largest lead of the night. The suffocating defense forced 14 turnovers while the offense shot an impressive 48.3% from the field for the game.

 

SUNO's bench contributed 17 points, with Isaiah Lewis (4 points, 4 assists, 3 steals) and Jakobe Dykes (7 points) providing key minutes. The Knights dominated in points off turnovers (24-16) and controlled the tempo throughout, never allowing Dillard to establish any sustained momentum.

 

Dillard was led by John Kelly III, who fought valiantly with 20 points and 11 rebounds, but the Bleu Devils shot just 36.6% from the field and struggled from beyond the arc at 25%. DaCarter Coleman added 14 points, while Wendell Hampton provided a late spark off the bench with 10 points, but it was too little, too late.

 

The Knights now turn their attention to the YES USVI HBCU Classic in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where they'll face St. Thomas on Thursday, December 12, at 9 a.m. The tournament provides an excellent opportunity for SUNO to build momentum heading into the heart of conference play.

Fans can catch all the action live on YouTube at youtube.com/@yessportstv.

 

With their conference record now at 4-1 and riding the hot hands of their award-winning duo, the Knights have firmly established themselves as contenders in the HBCU Athletic Conference West Division race.

For the team's schedule, visit sunoathletics.com.

 

 

 

Season tickets will be available through SUNO Athletics at the Emmett Bashful Administration Building cashier's office. Fans can make their purchase in person or by calling (504) 286-5321. Admission is $10 for basketball single games and $15 for doubleheaders.

 

Media inquiries, interview requests, and credential applications should be directed to athletics@suno.edu.

 

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The Southern University at New Orleans Knights Department of Athletics emphasizes competitive excellence, academic achievement and community engagement. For the full 2025–26 schedule, rosters, and ticket information, visit sunoathletics.com and follow @sunoathletics on social media.