Dawgs Move to the Quarterfinals After Early Morning Win Over UVI

Game Information: 
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: Noon
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Venue: Birthright Alumni Hall
Watch: Urban Edge Network

Game 29 E5 Fisk University Bulldogs (11-17) vs. W3 Southern University of New Orleans (13-13)

Fisk Overcomes Slow Start to Defeat UVI 83–72 in Opening Round

TUSCALOOSA, AL. - After a sluggish start to their opening‑round matchup against the University of the Virgin Islands, the Fisk University Bulldogs (11–17) found their rhythm and secured an 83–72 victory. The Dawgs fell behind by as many as nine points early, but a trio of seniors steadied the team and helped Fisk claw back to tie the game at halftime.

National assists-per-game leader Mark Cooper showcased his scoring ability by pouring in the Bulldogs' first eight points. Off the bench, Kailon Benton-Hamilton and Nicholas Beaird-Kennard combined for 15 first-half points, providing a crucial spark.

The turning point came early in the second half when UVI's 6'11" post Sebastian Dokum picked up three quick fouls, fouling out with 17:07 remaining. UVI briefly pushed ahead 54–50, but Fisk responded with an 8–0 run. After UVI tied the game at 58, the Bulldogs answered again—this time with a decisive 9–2 surge that gave them control for good.

Freshman Kaleb Jeffries led all scorers with 23 points. Benton-Hamilton added 20, including an impressive 11-of-12 performance at the free‑throw line, while Beaird-Kennard finished with 17.

Fisk's resilience and depth proved too much down the stretch, sending the Bulldogs into the next round with momentum.