Knights Open Season with Statement Win Over Louisiana Christian, 79–74

The Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) women's basketball team tipped off the 2025–26 season in thrilling fashion, securing a 79–74 win over Louisiana Christian University inside The Castle on Tuesday night. The Knights showed poise down the stretch, holding off a late Wildcats rally with steady backcourt control and timely defensive stops.

SUNO's offense was balanced and relentless, with four players scoring in double figures. Jordan Harris led the way with 19 points, four assists, and two key late-game jumpers that steadied the Knights when LCU made its final push. Katelynn Wilson added 18 points and a team-high six assists, connecting on three three-pointers—including one with just over two minutes to play that helped seal the win. Kaylan Jack finished with 17 points and a blistering 4-for-6 mark from beyond the arc, while also recording an incredible nine steals to set the tone defensively. Tierra Sylvas anchored the interior with 14 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, providing the Knights with steady two-way play throughout the game.

SUNO jumped out to a 25–18 lead after the first quarter, fueled by a fast-paced offense and a flurry of steals from Jack and Wilson. The Knights' guards dictated tempo early, forcing 11 first-half turnovers and converting them into 12 points on the other end. Despite a second-quarter surge from Louisiana Christian's Carlea Owens and Kylei LeBlanc, the Knights maintained control behind efficient ball movement and timely shooting from Harris and Wilson to take a 42–36 lead into halftime.

(Katelynn Wilson pulls up for a clutch three-point shot that pushed the Knights to a 75-70 lead over the Wildcats)

The third quarter showcased SUNO's composure as the Wildcats repeatedly threatened to close the gap. Jack drilled a deep three midway through the period, extending the Knights' lead to double digits, while Sylvas continued to dominate on the glass. Harris' midrange jumper with five minutes left in the quarter pushed the advantage to 52–43, giving SUNO breathing room heading into the final stretch.

Louisiana Christian made a final push in the fourth, cutting the lead to 72–70 with just over two minutes remaining. But once again, the Knights' veteran backcourt answered. Wilson buried a clutch three-pointer off a Sylvas assist to make it 75–70, and Jack's steal and fastbreak jumper in the final 30 seconds sealed the victory for SUNO.

The Knights forced 24 turnovers, scoring 25 points off takeaways, and held their composure even as LCU shot 46 percent from the field and outrebounded SUNO 52–44.

SUNO (1–0) will look to build on the season-opening win when they return to action this weekend at home against Harris-Stowe State University. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. at The Castle

Leaderboard:
Jordan Harris – 19 pts, 4 ast
Katelynn Wilson – 18 pts, 6 ast, 4 stl
Kaylan Jack – 17 pts, 9 stl
Tierra Sylvas – 14 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast

Team Stats:
FG%: 36.5 | 3PT%: 39.1 | FT%: 50.0 | TO: 11 | STL: 18

-SUNOKNIGHTLIFE-

Tickets & Media
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.

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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.