KNIGHTS CLAIM GLORY

SUNO wins first conference title since 2012 with dramatic OT victory over Tougaloo

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Boxscore | Broadcast Replay

01 --- GAME STORY

Full Circle: Knights Capture First Title Since 2012

In one of the most dramatic finishes in HBCUAC history, Southern University at New Orleans captured its first conference championship since 2012 with an 84-81 overtime victory over top-seeded Tougaloo on March 1, 2026. The Knights, overcoming a early 0-7 deficit and battling back from double-digit deficits in regulation, forced overtime at 72-72 before taking control in the extra period. In a fitting full-circle moment, SUNO beat Tougaloo to win the championship—the exact same opponent they defeated for the title fourteen years ago. This championship marks the culmination of a stunning four-year journey from uncertainty of the program's resurgence to HBCUAC supremacy.

SUNO Trio Named to All-Tournament Team
Donte Briggs: Tournament MVP

Dorian Booker: All-Tournament Team

Jaylon Hicks: All-Tournament Team

2026 Hope Credit Union Men's Basketball Championship All-Tournament Team Selections from SUNO. Pictured l-r: Hope Credit Union Senior Vice Presidemt, Economic and Community Development L.J. Molden; Jaylon Hicks; Donte Briggs, Dorian Booker; HBCUAC Commissioner Kiki Baker Barnes, PhD.

TOP PERFORMERS

Dorian Booker's Masterclass: The junior center was the most dominant force on the court, finishing with 26 points on 8-of-17 shooting and a game-high 14 rebounds. Booker's composure in the paint and clutch free-throw shooting (10-of-15) in the championship's deciding moments proved to be the difference. His ability to convert through contact and his relentless effort on the glass gave SUNO the interior advantage they desperately needed against a Tougaloo team that came in as the #1 seed.

Donte Briggs' Perimeter Prowess: The sophomore guard contributed 16 points, including several clutch free throws down the stretch and critical plays in overtime. Briggs shot 5-of-15 overall but made winning plays when it mattered most, showcasing the composure and experience that define championship teams. His 4-of-4 overtime free-throw shooting was perfect when SUNO needed points on the board.

Jaylon Hicks' Defensive Tenacity: The freshman guard finished with 12 points but more importantly, his defensive pressure and steal-to-layup conversion late in regulation forced Tougaloo into turnovers at critical moments. Hicks' three-pointer in overtime with 4:44 remaining gave SUNO crucial breathing room and momentum at a pivotal juncture.

Caleb Williams' Floor Leadership: The senior guard added 10 points and 3 assists, providing steady ball-handling and poise under pressure. Williams' clutch free throw with 0:04 remaining in overtime essentially sealed the championship, showcasing the kind of execution SUNO needed to overcome a higher seed.

Jermaine Lawrence's Interior Defense: Though Lawrence finished with just 10 points, his presence in the paint was felt throughout the game. Blocking shots, defensive rebounding, and screens for teammates helped SUNO control the interior and limit Tougaloo's second-chance opportunities—a key factor in the Knights' upset victory.

The Championship Moments

Regulation came down to a frantic final sequence. With SUNO trailing 70-72, Antonio Patterson's jump shot at the 0:21 mark gave Tougaloo what appeared to be a championship-clinching lead. But SUNO would not surrender. Clutch free throws from Briggs tied the game at 72-72 with 0:05 remaining, setting up one final possession for Tougaloo. Patterson's missed layup with 0:02 left sent the championship game to overtime. In the extra period, Jaylon Hicks' three-pointer with 4:44 left gave SUNO a 75-72 cushion. Though Tougaloo would not go away quietly, Williams' crucial free throw with 0:04 remaining sealed the 84-81 victory. As the final horn sounded, SUNO's players stormed the court, their first conference championship in 14 years finally realized.

SUNO Head Coach James A. Matthews,III celebrates with his team in a postgame interview with Tuscaloosa media outlet Yo Baylah.

02 --- A COACH'S JOURNEY

From Sweeping Floors to Championship Glory

For James A. Matthews, III, this championship represents far more than another trophy. Twelve years ago, in 2014, Matthews arrived at SUNO as a volunteer coach, literally sweeping the gym floor and washing uniforms while waiting on his opportunity to join the staff. When that opportunity arose, he went from volunteering to receiving a stipend that was just enough to fuel his vehicle each month. But his determination and resilience never waivered. He continued to serve and was brought on full time as associate head coach. After the university suspended athletics in 2020, SUNO won just two games in their relaunch season (2022-23). Now, in his tenure as Director of Athletics and Head Coach, Matthews has guided the Knights to a 17-13 record and a championship that reflects his philosophy of giving young men second chances and opportunities to change their lives. Matthews reflects on what this moment means:

"To beat Tougaloo in the championship—the same team we beat in 2012—is a full-circle moment. But more than that, it's about the young men I've had the privilege to mentor, to guide, to treat like my own sons. Watching them grow both as basketball players and young men is what makes this so special."

Voices of Change

Jermaine Lawrence, a sophomore wing from Tallahassee, captured the essence of Matthews' coaching philosophy: "Last year around this time I wasn't in school. I was kicked out of another school in this conference. Coach James gave me another chance, and I had to sit out the fall semester. I came back and now we're champions. I just want to thank Coach James for this opportunity. Other people gave up on me, but he gave me a second chance."

Erroll Smith, a sophomore wing from Baton Rouge, echoed similar sentiments: "I had no intentions of attending school, until I was offered an opportunity to change my life. I thank Coach James for that. We lost in the second round last year, but now we're the 2026 champions."

Resilience and Determination

What defined this championship game was SUNO's refusal to quit. Down 7-0 early, the Knights were staring at potential disaster against a superior seed. But Dorian Booker's dominance in the paint—26 points and 14 rebounds—proved to be the difference-maker. The junior center converted at will, shooting 8-of-17 from the field and a clutch 10-of-15 from the free-throw line. Booker's composure in overtime, particularly his late-game free throws, anchored SUNO's championship run. Donte Briggs added 16 points and proved his perimeter shooting would not be intimidated, while Jaylon Hicks' toughness on defense and clutch three-pointers gave SUNO the edge when it mattered most. Caleb Williams rounded out the effort with 10 points and steady floor leadership that kept the offense flowing. Most critically, in a game that came down to execution, SUNO shot 74.2% from the free-throw line compared to Tougaloo's 87.0%, but the Knights' 52 rebounds to the Bulldogs' 45 proved decisive.

SUNO Head Coach James A. Matthews, III cuts down the net.

The Cinderella Story Continues

The SUNO men's basketball program's ascent from suspension to championship represents one of the most improbable turnarounds in HBCUAC history. When the program was relaunched in 2022-23, the Knights won just two games. By 2023-24, they doubled that. Now, in 2025-26, SUNO has captured a conference championship with a 17-13 record—their best mark since the 2011-12 championship season when they finished 17-14. The journey from two wins to 17 wins and a title is a testament to Matthews' vision and his unwavering commitment to giving young men second chances. For a coach who started his tenure sweeping floors and washing uniforms, cutting down the nets as HBCUAC champion represents the ultimate validation of his philosophy: that investing in people, particularly those society has written off, is the greatest victory of all.

The Knights find out who they will face in the opening round of the 2026 NAIA Championship on Thursday, March 5 during the NAIA Men's Basketball Selection Show (6 p.m. CST). And no matter where they are placed, the SUNO Knights have the faith, determination and grit that will help them continue to make history.

For more information on SUNO Athletics, visit sunoathletics.com.

-SUNOKNIGHTLIFE-

Stay up to date on sunoathletics.com and on social media. 

Facebook/Instagram/X: @sunoathletics 

VB IG: @sunoknightsvolleyball 

WBB IG: @sunoknightswbb 

MBB IG: @sunoknightsmbb 

Baseball IG: @sunoknightsbaseball

Baseball X: @sunobsb

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.