SUNO Women's Basketball Improves to 6-1 (1-1) with Thrilling Win over Huston-Tillotson

Smith Takes Over: Double-Double + Four Blocks + Game-Changing Rebounds

Jakhiya Smith was unquestionably the anchor for SUNO on both ends. She finished with 18 points, 19 rebounds, and 4 blocks, overwhelming the Rams in the paint and repeatedly shifting momentum with timely boards.

Smith's fingerprints were all over the biggest moments of the game.

• In the second quarter, she secured an offensive rebound off a missed free throw and immediately scored on a put-back to cut the deficit to 28–26.

• Early in the third, she grabbed a defensive rebound, sprinted the floor, and knocked down a jumper that sparked SUNO's 20-point quarter.

• With 5:44 left in the fourth, she hauled in an offensive rebound and buried a jumper to push SUNO ahead 61–60—a turning point that steadied the Knights when the game tightened.

• With just 34 seconds left and SUNO clinging to a 67–66 lead, Smith grabbed the most important defensive rebound of the night, stopping a late HTU attempt and securing the possession that allowed SUNO to close out the win.

Smith's presence inside was the difference. Her rebounding battled back against the Rams' 62-rebound night, and her rim protection shut down multiple second-chance opportunities.

Jack Delivers Again with Playmaking and Clutch Shooting

Kaylan Jack continued her role as SUNO's stabilizing force, finishing with 18 points, 3 assists, and multiple momentum-swinging baskets.

Jack's first big moment came in the first quarter with a deep three that sparked the Knights' offense. But her biggest shot came late:

• With 2:48 remaining in the fourth, Jack drilled a contested three to tie the game at 66–66, energizing The Castle crowd and setting up SUNO's final run.

• Earlier in the period, she hit another key three at the 7:47 mark to pull SUNO within one, 58–57.

Jack's ability to rise to the moment continues to define her season—hitting big shots, attacking gaps, and creating scoring chances for her teammates.

Total Team Grit

The Knights didn't shoot their best from deep, but their composure, defense, and ability to force turnovers (19 points off 24 HTU miscues) kept them in control.

• Tierra Sylvas added 13 points, 10 rebounds, and relentless defensive pressure, including steals and key disruption late.

• Jordan Harris contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, and a steadying presence in crunch time.

• Hannah Cornelious hit a big fourth-quarter jumper and grabbed important rebounds to keep SUNO within striking distance.

SUNO outscored Huston–Tillotson 37–25 in the second half, showcasing defensive adjustments and a refusal to back down in a physical game.

A Statement Win to Open Conference Play

In a matchup full of lead changes and tense moments, the Knights stayed poised and executed when it mattered most. With Smith dominating the interior and Jack hitting pressure shots, SUNO demonstrated depth, resilience, and championship-level toughness.

The Knights move to 6–1 overall and 1–0 in conference, building momentum as they continue their ascent in the HBCU Athletic Conference.

Next up: SUNO looks to keep rolling as conference play continues at The Castle on Saturday, November 22 against Paul Quinn College. Tip-Off is set for 1 p.m.