Basketball: Talladega College Tornadoes Advance in HBCUAC 2025 Hope Credit Union Championship

In a compelling opening round of the HBCUAC 2025 Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship, the No. 4 seed Talladega College men's basketball team clinched a 71-59 victory over Oakwood University Tuesday at Birthright Alumni Hall. The Tornadoes’ win was highlighted by standout performances from Lamont Sams who scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, and Shaun Walker, who added 19 points and 8 rebounds to the tally. Wilfred Campbell also played a crucial role, contributing 11 points including a key 3-pointer that widened the lead late in the game. Head coach Dannton Jackson’s strategic moves played a vital part in this win, maintaining the team’s focus and execution under pressure. The game remained tense with the half-time score at 28-25 in favor of Talladega. A steal by Malachi Chavis leading to a critical layup by Walker, and a steal by Derek Burditt, who had 11 assists, led to momentum-shifting dunk by Sams on an offensive rebound. Baskets by Walker and Sams widened the lead to eight with 13:48 left. The Ambassadors didn't surrender. Two 3-pointers by JaMarkus Alexander and a layup by Brian Williams tied the game at 45 with 12:32 remaining. Sams hit a couple shots and a 3-pointer by Campbell increased the Tornadoes' lead to eight with 5:27 remaining. Oakwood didn't get closer than six. Alexander led the Ambassadors with 16 points. Williams followed with 12. Jordan Green and Jaywill Thornton each grabbed five rebounds. The victory sets up a quarterfinals matchup for Talladega against the winner of the game between No. 5 Philander Smith University and No. 12 Voorhees University. The next game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at Birthright Alumni Hall.