SUNO Edges Virgin Islands 71-68 Behind Booker's Dominant Performance

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands [December 12, 2025]– Dorian Booker put together a commanding performance with 23 points and three blocks, leading Southern University New Orleans to a hard-fought 71-68 victory over the University of the Virgin Islands on Friday evening in the YES USVI HBCU Classic.

The 7-foot junior from Baton Rouge was nearly unstoppable in the paint, converting 10 of 14 field goal attempts while adding eight rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes of action. Booker's efficiency and interior presence proved to be the difference-maker as SUNO held off a determined UVI squad.

"Booker controlled the game from start to finish," said SUNO head coach James Matthews III. "His ability to finish around the basket and protect the rim was exactly what we needed."

The Knights built their advantage through balanced scoring and contributions across the roster. Freshman Jaylon Hicks stepped up with 14 points, converting 8-of-9 from the free-throw line while grabbing six rebounds in 31 minutes. The New Orleans native also added a steal and showed composure in crucial late-game situations.

Sophomore Jakobe Dykes provided instant offense off the bench, scoring 13 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. His 19 minutes of energy helped SUNO's bench dominate the scoring battle.

Point guard Donte Briggs orchestrated the offense effectively, finishing with eight points, three assists, and a rebound in 26 minutes. The sophomore from New Orleans shot 3-of-4 from the field and made both of his free throw attempts.

Senior forward Devin Daniels made his presence felt on the defensive end with two blocks in nearly 35 minutes, while also dishing out two assists despite being held scoreless. Senior guard Caleb Williams added four points, a steal, and an assist in 23 minutes of floor leadership.

Freshman Aumad Hackett contributed five points, two assists, and a block in 15 minutes off the bench, while Tynerion Jackson chipped in two points in limited action.

SUNO's bench outscored UVI's reserves 43-19, showcasing the Knights' impressive depth throughout the contest. The team shot 49% from the field (26-of-53) and dominated at the free-throw line, converting 15 of 21 attempts in critical moments.

For the Buccaneers, Devin Binyard led the way with 16 points and five rebounds, while Khari Person added 14 points and three rebounds in the losing effort. Joshua Rodgers came off the bench to drain four three-pointers for 13 points, but UVI couldn't overcome SUNO's interior dominance and balanced attack.

The game featured six lead changes and six ties, with neither team leading by more than single digits throughout most of the contest. SUNO outrebounded UVI 38-37 and forced three turnovers while limiting their own mistakes down the stretch.

The Knights led 28-25 at halftime and extended their advantage with a strong 43-point second half to secure the victory. Their ability to execute in crunch time and convert from the charity stripe proved decisive in the tight finish.

"This is a completely different team than what we had last year and even early this season," Matthews said after the victory. "We're learning how to win these close games, how to handle adversity when things get tight. These guys stayed composed, executed our game plan, and found a way to get it done. That's the maturity and growth we've been working toward, and it's great to see it paying off in these pressure situations."

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

-SUNOKNIGHTLIFE-

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About SUNO Athletics

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.