TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Stillman College women's basketball team used a dominant fourth quarter and balanced scoring to defeat the Dillard University Bleu Devils 79-63 on Monday night inside Birthright Alumni Hall in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Hope Credit Union HBCUAC Basketball Championship.
Stillman shot better than 53 percent from the field and placed four players in double figures, pulling away in the final period after a competitive first three quarters.
Jaida Minter led the Tigers with 17 points, while
Danyjhia Williams added 13 points and five assists.
Tanyah Lockhart finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, and
A'Nya Banks provided nine points off the bench.
Rapid Recap:
Stillman opened with strong offensive efficiency, shooting 73 percent from the field in the opening period to build an early advantage. Lockhart knocked down two early three-pointers, and
Mya Jones added multiple baskets in transition to spark the Tigers.
Despite Dillard briefly taking a mid-quarter lead, Stillman responded with a scoring surge highlighted by paint touches from
Jordan Harris and a late fast-break layup from Faith Alessandra. The Tigers closed the period on a strong run to take a 25-21 lead after one.
Both teams traded baskets throughout a tightly contested second period. Williams controlled the tempo offensively with strong drives and assists, while Harris and Banks added interior scoring to keep Stillman in front.
Dillard briefly cut the margin to one midway through the quarter, but the Tigers responded with defensive stops and timely baskets from Minter and Williams. Stillman matched Dillard point-for-point in the quarter and carried a 40-36 lead into halftime.
Stillman maintained its advantage through a physical third quarter. Minter provided a spark offensively with multiple mid-range jumpers and a three-point play, while Williams added key baskets in transition.
The Tigers pushed the lead to as many as six during the period, but Dillard answered with interior scoring to stay within reach. Stillman held steady defensively and entered the fourth quarter leading 54-49.
Stillman delivered its most decisive stretch in the final period, outscoring Dillard 25-14. Banks scored six early fourth-quarter points to ignite a run that pushed the lead to double digits.
Minter knocked down a late three-pointer and converted at the free-throw line, while Slaughter and Matthews added transition baskets to extend the margin. The Tigers shot 61.5 percent in the quarter and forced key turnovers to seal the 79-63 victory.
Notes and Numbers:
- Stillman shot 53.3 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three-point range.
- The Tigers held a 43-35 rebounding advantage.
- Stillman scored 48 points in the paint and 21 points off turnovers.
- The bench contributed 23 points for the Tigers.
- Stillman's largest lead reached 18 points in the fourth quarter.
Up Next:
The Tigers will have a day off to prepare for the top seed out of the West Division in the Wiley University Wildcats. Tipoff is set for noon in Birthright Alumni Hall.
