SUNO RACES PAST PAUL QUINN, 84–62
NEW ORLEANS — Southern University at New Orleans used a fast tempo, balanced scoring, and strong rebounding to defeat Paul Quinn College 84–62 on Saturday afternoon at the SUNO Gymnasium on Knights Drive.
Paul Quinn (1–6, 0–2) stayed within reach early, trailing 42–30 at halftime behind efficient free-throw shooting and a strong first half from guard Rashod Ballard, who scored 14 of his game-high 22 points before the break. But SUNO (3–6, 2–0) controlled the pace throughout, shooting 48.5% from the field and putting five players in double figures.
SUNO's Jaylon Hicks led the way with 15 points and seven rebounds on 6-for-10 shooting, while Tynerion Jackson added 15 points off the bench, providing key energy in the paint. Caleb Williams and Donte Briggs each scored 10, and Erroll Smith supplied another 10 points as the Knights' depth overwhelmed the Tigers.
Paul Quinn struggled from the field, shooting 33.3% overall and just 28.6% in the second half. Ballard's 22-point performance included 7-for-16 shooting and a pair of 3-pointers, while Isaiah McCallum added 14 points and three rebounds. Mekhi Johnson chipped in eight points and five boards, making all six of his free throws.
The Tigers again found bright production off the bench from Malcolm King, who scored eight points and dished three assists in 27 minutes. But SUNO's size and activity on the boards produced a 45–34 rebounding edge and 16 offensive rebounds, leading to consistent second-chance scoring.
SUNO's ball movement also proved decisive, as the Knights recorded 26 assists on 33 made field goals while committing just 13 turnovers. Paul Quinn finished with 12 assists and 15 turnovers.
Paul Quinn briefly cut the deficit to single digits early in the second half, but SUNO responded with timely 3-pointers from Smith and Williams, followed by inside scoring from Jackson to push the lead back above 15. The Knights maintained control the rest of the way, matching their 42-point first half with another 42 after the break.
Paul Quinn continues its Louisiana road stretch, looking to rebound from its second straight conference loss, while SUNO improves to 2–0 in GCAC play.