SUNO Knights Spoil Philander Smith Homecoming, Grab First Victory on Panthers’ Home Court

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. [November 18, 2024] — The Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Knights delivered a historic 70-62 victory over the Philander Smith University Panthers on Saturday, marking their first win on the Panthers' home court since the two schools began playing one another in 2009-10 (according to NAIA records). The Knights' end-to-end dominance showcased their offensive and defensive prowess, spoiling Philander Smith's.

 

The Knights never trailed during the game, holding off several Panther runs with a balanced team effort. Freshman Erroll Smith, transfer guard Tyon Thompson, and standout forward Jamal "Tall" Gibson each played pivotal roles in the victory.

 

Head Coach James A. Matthews III praised his team's resilience and chemistry, noting their ability to overcome adversity.

"This win is a testament to the heart and determination of our team," Matthews said. "When Philander Smith made their runs, we didn't flinch. We stuck to our game plan, stayed composed, and delivered when it mattered most. I couldn't be prouder of how we came together as a unit."

 

Freshman Erroll Smith showcased his versatility, shooting a career-high 75% from the field. Smith's timely offensive rebounds and assists were instrumental in maintaining the Knights' lead. His key moments included setting up Donte Briggs' clutch three-pointer early in the game and another late in the second half to seal the win.

 

Tyon Thompson, got back to his playmaker role, demonstrating his high basketball IQ by orchestrating key plays and hitting clutch free throws. Thompson's leadership on the court proved invaluable, both offensively and defensively, keeping the Knights' lead secure throughout. Thompson now ranks fifth in the HBCUAC for points and third for assists, with 25 on the season.

 

"Tyon's leadership is something you can't quantify on a stat sheet," Matthews said. "He controlled the tempo, made smart decisions, and directed his teammates to execute plays that turned the game in our favor."

 

Meanwhile, Jamal "Tall" Gibson continued his historic streak, recording his 38th consecutive double-double with a game-high 16 defensive rebounds. Gibson's dominance on the boards and defensive impact neutralized Philander Smith's top scorer and defender Raymond Reece, and shifted momentum to SUNO.