SUNO to Battle UVI in YES USVI HBCU Classic

Knights Look to Bounce Back Against UVI in HBCU Classic

2025 YES USVI HBCU Classic
Southern University at New Orleans vs. University of the Virgin Islands
Friday, December 12, 2025 | 8 a.m. CT | Watch Live

Tournament Continues for SUNO

The Southern University at New Orleans Knights (5-8, 4-1 HBCU Athletic Conference) will look to rebound quickly when they face the University of the Virgin Islands on Friday morning in the 2025 YES USVI HBCU Classic. Despite falling to St. Thomas University 86-65 in their tournament opener on Wednesday, the Knights showed the resilience and competitive spirit that has defined their season.

Friday's matchup will be a non-conference contest, even though both programs compete in the HBCU Athletic Conference during regular league play. For SUNO, it's an opportunity to get back in the win column before ending their non-conference schedule against two tough teams – William Carey University and Northwestern State University.

Season Snapshot

The Knights have navigated a challenging early-season schedule, sitting at 5-8 overall but maintaining a strong 4-1 mark in conference play. After dropping five of their first seven games, including losses to William Carey and a heartbreaking 96-95 defeat to Loyola, SUNO has found their footing in league competition. The Knights have won four of their last six games, including victories over Huston-Tillotson, Paul Quinn, Wiley, and most recently Dillard on December 9.

Offensive Leaders

Dorian Booker has been the Knights' most dominant force this season, leading the team with 12.8 points per game while shooting an impressive 58.7 percent from the field. The 6-foot forward has been a force on the boards as well, averaging a team-high 7.8 rebounds per game and recording 101 total rebounds through 13 games. Booker has started all 13 contests and logged nearly 304 minutes, making him the anchor of SUNO's interior game.

Jaylon Hicks provides a dynamic scoring punch at 11.8 points per game, though he's worked through some shooting struggles (37.2 percent from the field, 30.6 percent from three). The guard has been productive in other areas, leading the team with 32 assists while averaging 5.4 rebounds per game. When Hicks finds his rhythm, the Knights' offense flows.

Caleb Williams has been SUNO's most reliable perimeter threat, connecting on 42.9 percent of his three-point attempts while averaging 8.2 points per game. Williams has started all 13 games and logged a team-high 360 minutes, providing steady two-way production with 31 assists and 12 steals.

Donte Briggs rounds out the Knights' primary scoring options at 8.2 points per game. The guard has been excellent at the free-throw line (80.8 percent) and leads the team with 41 assists, showcasing his ability to create for teammates.

Bench Contributions

Tynerion Jackson has emerged as SUNO's most efficient offensive weapon off the bench, shooting 54.4 percent from the field while averaging 6.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in just over 10 minutes per game. His scoring efficiency provides a spark when the starters need a breather.

Erroll Smith has been deadly from beyond the arc, connecting on 47.4 percent of his three-point attempts while averaging 5.1 points per game. When Smith gets hot from deep, he can change the complexion of a game in a hurry.

Keys to Victory

For the Knights to get back on track Friday morning, they'll need to take care of the basketball better than they did against St. Thomas. SUNO has averaged 16.9 turnovers per game this season compared to just 13.8 for opponents, resulting in a minus-3.1 turnover margin. Cleaning up possessions and converting them into scoring opportunities will be critical.

The Knights also need to capitalize at the free-throw line, where they've converted just 62.8 percent of their attempts this season compared to 70.6 percent for opponents. In close games, those missed opportunities can be the difference between winning and losing.

Defensively, SUNO has been solid on the glass with a plus-2.8 rebounding margin and has averaged 4.4 blocks per game. Continuing to protect the paint and limit second-chance opportunities will be essential against UVI.

Looking Ahead

After their tournament experience in the Virgin Islands, the Knights will return home to continue their conference campaign. With a 4-2 record in league play, SUNO has positioned themselves well in the HBCU Athletic Conference standings. Every game, whether conference or non-conference, provides valuable experience for a team still finding its identity.

The 8 a.m. tip time on Friday will test the Knights' mental toughness and preparation, but after showing grit in their tournament opener, SUNO will look to carry that competitive fire into a bounce-back performance against the University of the Virgin Islands.