Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Tag: NCAA March Madness

  • HBCU Stars Shine in March Madness 2026

    March Madness 2026 wasn’t just about the upsets and buzzer-beaters; it was also a historic moment for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). For the first time since 1994, three HBCU basketball programs earned bids to the NCAA Tournament, bringing national attention to the incredible talent emerging from these institutions. Let’s shine a spotlight on the standout players who made this season unforgettable.

    Howard University: A Dynamic Duo

    Howard University’s run in March Madness was powered by some serious talent. Graduate guard Bryce Harris, hailing from Brentwood, New York, was a force to be reckoned with, averaging an impressive 17.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game during the 2025-26 season. He was the go-to scorer for the Bison throughout their campaign and tournament run.

    Complementing Harris was forward Cedric Taylor III from Atlanta, Georgia. Taylor provided a steady second scoring option, averaging 17.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. His interior scoring and rebounding were crucial for Howard’s success. Additionally, senior forward Zennia Thomas, a transfer from Kentucky, led Howard’s offense with 15.2 points and over seven rebounds per game, guiding them to the tournament with a key performance against Ohio State.

    Tennessee State University: Leadership and Scoring

    Tennessee State University’s journey to the NCAA Tournament was spearheaded by the leadership of senior guard Aaron Nkrumah. From Worcester, Massachusetts, Nkrumah’s scoring prowess and knack for steals were instrumental in TSU clinching both the OVC regular season and tournament championships. He’s recognized as an elite two-way guard, capable of scoring and disrupting opponents defensively.

    Guard Travis Harper II, from Columbus, Georgia, provided a reliable scoring punch alongside Nkrumah. Averaging 17.3 points with 40.1% three-point shooting, Harper was a dependable perimeter shooter and offensive producer for the Tigers throughout the 2025-26 season.

    Prairie View A&M University: Offensive Firepower

    Prairie View A&M University boasted one of the top scorers among HBCUs in Dontae Horne. This 22-year-old guard from Memphis, Tennessee, averaged an impressive 20.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists during the 2025-26 season. Horne was the primary offensive engine for the Panthers, leading them into March Madness.

    Guard Tai’Reon Joseph, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also played a crucial role for Prairie View A&M. Averaging 17.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, Joseph stepped up to lead the team in scoring during their NCAA Tournament game, showcasing his steady perimeter shooting.

    Southern University’s Defensive Anchor

    While not all HBCUs made it to the NCAA Tournament, Southern University’s DeMya Porter made a significant impact. This forward from Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, led her team in scoring with 9.7 points per game, adding over five rebounds and 1.1 blocks. Porter was the anchor of Southern’s defense and was instrumental in their SWAC tournament victory.

    These athletes represent the dedication, skill, and competitive spirit thriving within HBCU basketball programs. Their performances in the 2026 March Madness tournament not only brought excitement to their respective schools but also highlighted the growing strength and national impact of HBCU athletics.

    Who were your favorite HBCU players to watch during March Madness 2026? Share your thoughts and shoutouts in the comments below!

  • Syracuse Coach Slams NCAA Bracket Fairness

    The NCAA Women’s Tournament is known for its intense matchups, but sometimes the draw can feel downright brutal. That’s exactly how Syracuse coach Felisha Legette-Jack felt after her team, the Orange, suffered a massive blowout loss to the powerhouse UConn Huskies in the Round of 32.

    A Lopsided Game and a Coach’s Frustration

    UConn, a perennial powerhouse with 12 championships under their belt, showed why they’re feared. They came out firing, ending the first quarter with a commanding 33-8 lead, including a staggering 31-point run. By halftime, the score was a daunting 65-12. While the second half saw a more even competition, the damage was already done.

    Ultimately, UConn secured a dominant 98-45 victory, sending Syracuse home. But for Coach Legette-Jack, the sting of the loss wasn’t just about the score; it was about the perceived unfairness of the tournament bracket itself.

    Questioning the Bracket’s Fairness

    In the post-game press conference, Legette-Jack didn’t hold back. She expressed her deep frustration with having to face UConn, or similarly dominant teams, year after year in the tournament. “For us to do what we’ve done, to continuously have to come to UConn, and every single school that I go to…It’s unfair to the young people,” she stated.

    She questioned if there was something personal against her, but her main grievance was the bracket structure. Unlike the men’s tournament, where games are often held at neutral sites, top women’s teams host on their home courts, giving them a significant advantage. “After being in this business for 37 years, and to have to come and be in this particular bracket every fricking year is unacceptable. It’s wrong,” Legette-Jack declared.

    For us to continue to come to Connecticut year after year after year is, to me, it’s a personal attack, because I just think that we are way better than what we performed today. — Felisha Legette-Jack, Syracuse Head Coach

    Legette-Jack, who has experience on selection committees, believes there are ways to create more balanced brackets. She suggested being placed on a lower seed line, like a 10-seed, to avoid such consistent matchups against top-tier programs. Despite her team’s strong 26-9 season record and 12-6 ACC performance, the draw presented an uphill battle.

    While she acknowledged and saluted UConn’s program and coach Geno Auriemma for their incredible success, her plea was for greater fairness and opportunity for other teams in the women’s game. It’s a conversation about bracketology and competitive balance that resonates throughout the sport.

    What are your thoughts on the NCAA bracket selection process for women’s basketball? Let us know in the comments!