Dillard Edges Past Wilberforce in Double Overtime Thriller

TUSCALOOSA, AL– In a gripping encounter on March 1, 2025, at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Dillard (LA) team emerged victorious over Wilberforce (OH) with an 89-80 win, after two nail-biting overtimes. The game captivated fans with its intensity and showcased exceptional individual performances, ultimately tilting in favor of Dillard.

The first half set the tone for a closely contested match, with Dillard leading 32-27. Both teams exhibited tenacious defense and occasionally struggled with shooting efficiency. Wilberforce came back strong in the second half, scoring 33 points to Dillard's 28, leveling the scores at the end of regulation time.

The first overtime saw both teams scoring 11 points each, indicating the evenly matched nature of the contest. However, in the second overtime, Dillard's resilience shone through, outscoring Wilberforce 18-9, ensuring their triumph.

For Dillard, Justin Warren was instrumental, scoring 19 points with impressive efficiency, hitting 4 of his 5 field goals and sinking 10 of 13 free throws. Khalif Allim also made a significant impact, contributing a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Their balanced team effort was evident with five players scoring in double figures.

Wilberforce was led by Jesse Olverson Jr., who scored a game-high 20 points and showcased his ability to drive to the basket, although he faced challenges at the free-throw line, converting only 6 of 14 attempts. Cali Davis added 15 points, while Eduardo Diaz provided a solid 13 points off the bench.

Dillard's superior shooting efficiency played a crucial role in their victory. They shot 41.5% from the field and 81.8% from the free-throw line, compared to Wilberforce's 34.7% and 60.0% respectively. While Wilberforce dominated the boards with 50 rebounds compared to Dillard's 47, they struggled with turnovers, committing 25, which Dillard capitalized on.

This encounter served as a testament to the competitive spirit of college basketball, with Dillard demonstrating composure and tactical execution in the crucial moments. This crucial win advanced the Bleu Devils to the finals where they will rematch Philander Smith for the title of HBCUAC Champions.

-Bleu Devils-