Collaborating with Urban Edge Network to Spotlight Exceptional HBCU Basketball Talent

As the festive holiday season unfolds, numerous HBCU basketball players have showcased their generosity and skill on the court by delivering impressive scoring performances. This time of year not only brings joy but also highlights the sportsmanship and talent present in HBCU Division I men’s and women’s basketball.

Despite many schools participating in only a single game during the past week, there were several noteworthy performances deserving recognition for the coveted HBCU Players of the Week. After careful consideration, it became evident that the outstanding contributions of two players stood out significantly. Here’s a detailed look at your top Men’s and Women’s HBCU Players of the Week.

Outstanding Performance: Men’s HBCU Player of the Week – Robert Smith, Delaware State

Following a challenging start to the season with a record of 3-6, which included tough matchups against major conference opponents, the Delaware State team has rallied together, winning four consecutive games. Senior guard Robert Smith has been instrumental in leading this resurgence, particularly during the last week’s games.

Initially, Smith had a slow start, managing only four points in the first half against Grambling State. However, he turned the game around with an impressive second-half performance, scoring 12 points and helping secure a decisive 73-60 victory for the Hornets. In addition, he contributed five rebounds and four assists, showcasing his all-around capabilities on the court.

In a thrilling 83-80 victory over Alabama State, Smith truly showcased his shooting prowess. Although it might appear that Delaware State had a fantastic night from beyond the arc, making 50% of their three-point attempts, the reality is that Smith accounted for much of that success himself. He achieved an outstanding 7 of 11 from three-point range, while his teammates managed only 2 of 7.

This remarkable shooting performance allowed Smith to finish the game with 26 points, complemented by four rebounds and two assists. Remarkably, this total was just one point shy of matching his season high. Smith is clearly finding his rhythm, having hit three or more three-pointers in five of the last seven games, a significant improvement from hitting that many in just one of his first six games. His resurgence in shooting has expanded his overall scoring options, solidifying his recognition as Player of the Week.

Exceptional Achievement: Women’s HBCU Player of the Week – Lydia Freeman, Grambling State

Lydia Freeman has consistently played a pivotal role for Grambling State throughout the basketball season, but she elevated her game to extraordinary levels during the last match on Wednesday.

Before this standout performance, Freeman’s highest scoring game was 14 points, and her best rebounding effort had been 10. However, she shattered those previous records by exploding for an incredible 25 points and 20 rebounds in a dominant 94-52 win over Arkansas Baptist. Notably, 13 of her rebounds were offensive, marking her as one of the top performers in Division I this season.

In the matchup against Arkansas Baptist, the opposing team struggled to find an effective way to contain Freeman, who dominated the paint both as a primary scorer and as a relentless rebounder. Although Grambling State shot only 35.2% from the field, the team managed to accumulate an impressive 37 offensive rebounds, largely due to Freeman’s remarkable effort.

This performance was notably impressive as only three players in the entire season have recorded a 25-point, 20-rebound game. What makes Freeman’s achievement truly remarkable is the fact that she accomplished this feat in just 19 minutes of playtime, averaging over a point and over a rebound for each minute she was on the court. This extraordinary display of talent and efficiency undoubtedly contributed to the team’s success.

With this victory, Grambling State ended an eight-game losing streak. This match was the only game for the Lady Tigers until they step into the new year. The team certainly hopes to carry this exceptional version of Freeman into 2025, aiming for continued success on the court.

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