Tougaloo Triumphs Over Dillard in a Dominant Display

NEW ORLEANS–On January 30, 2025, Tougaloo College from Mississippi showcased their basketball prowess by defeating Dillard University from Louisiana with a decisive 88-74 victory. The matchup, held in Dillard's home court, saw Tougaloo improve their impressive record to 18-5 overall and 12-2 in conference play, while Dillard dropped to 13-7 overall and 9-3 in the conference.

Tougaloo set the tone early on, establishing a 10-point lead by halftime with a score of 47-37. Their offensive efficiency was highlighted by a remarkable shooting performance, with a 55.8% field goal percentage for the game. Antonio Patterson led the charge in the first half, setting the framework for their victory.

**Key Players and Statistics:**

Antonio Patterson was a standout for Tougaloo, contributing 17 points, including an almost perfect performance from the free-throw line, hitting 7 out of 8 attempts. Tyler Hudson was instrumental on the boards and as a playmaker, amassing 9 rebounds and 7 assists alongside his 12 points. Rodney Felton also made a significant impact with 16 points and 7 rebounds.

For Dillard, Bentravin Phillips emerged as the leading scorer with 23 points, displaying his versatility by converting 7 of his 13 field goals and 7 of 8 free throws. However, his efforts were insufficient to bridge the gap created by Tougaloo's relentless offense and teamwork.

**Team Efforts:**

Tougaloo's collective effort was evident as they out-rebounded Dillard 35 to 21. Their reserves also contributed meaningfully, with Damien Walters, Jr. adding 9 points in just 12 minutes of play. Despite Dillard's Ben Fort and Tory Cargo putting up resistant efforts, the team struggled with turnovers and personal fouls, one of which resulted in a technical foul against Cargo.


The game demonstrated Tougaloo's cohesive team dynamics and ability to maintain performance under pressure. Their strategic plays and depth in scoring were crucial in overcoming Dillard's attempts to rally back. As the season progresses, Tougaloo's victory over Dillard positions them strongly within the conference, showcasing their potential to be formidable contenders.

-Bleu Devils-