Dillard Loses the Battle of Gentilly

NEW ORLEANS– Southern University at New Orleans used a balanced attack and a strong second half to pull away from Dillard, 77–67, Tuesday night at The Castle in New Orleans.

SUNO led 36–31 at the break and kept control after halftime, winning the second half 41–36. The Knights shot 48.3% (29-for-60) for the game and complemented it with activity on the glass (40 rebounds) and a disruptive defensive effort that produced 9 steals and 8 blocks.

Jaylon Hicks paced SUNO with 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting, adding 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in a two-way performance. Donte Briggs added 14 points (5-of-8) but was also at the center of the game's sloppier moments, committing 7 turnovers. Dorian Booker delivered a key interior stat line—13 points and a game-high 13 rebounds—while Caleb Williams supplied perimeter scoring with 11 points and three made threes (3-for-5). Off the bench, Jakobe Dykes contributed 7 points and 4 rebounds, and Isaiah Lewis chipped in across the board with 4 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

Dillard stayed within striking distance behind John Kelly III, who posted 20 points and a dominant 11-rebound effort that included 7 offensive boards. DaCarter Coleman scored 14, and Christian Pichon Jr. added 9 points with 4 assists and 2 steals, but the Bleu Devils couldn't overcome inefficient shooting and limited perimeter production—36.6% overall (26-for-71) and 25.0% from three (5-for-20). Dillard did win the rebounding battle narrowly, 41–40, but SUNO's defensive presence at the rim (8 blocks) and ability to get to the line (14-of-18) helped maintain separation.

The game included one technical foul on each side (Dillard's Charles Hervey and SUNO's Jaylon Hicks), but SUNO's steadier offense and defensive playmaking ultimately proved decisive as the Knights closed out a 10-point home win.

-Bleu Devils-