The Gulf Coach Athletic Conference (GCAC) crowned Philander Smith as its 2024 Hope Credit Union Men’s Basketball Tournament Champion and Rust as the league’s 2024 Hope Credit Union Women’s Basketball Tournament Champion over the weekend at Birthright Alumni Hall in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
nRust cutting the nets at the 2024 GCAC Hope Credit Union Women's Championship game. Credit: GCAC
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PHILANDER SMITH MEN’S FIRST-EVER CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
Philander Smith (21-8) won its first conference championship title with an 85-67 victory over Dillard University (14-16). Derrick Woods came off the bench to lead the Panthers with 21 points and four rebounds. He buried three 3-point shots in the contest. Smith’s Raymond Reece (13 points), David Kellah (12 points), Christone Rufus, and Amorey Womack recorded 11 points apiece as the Panthers shot 46.3% from the floor.
The No. 9 Bleu Devils’ Armond Williams posted 16 points and six rebounds in the loss to the Panthers. Dillard was held to 35.6% scoring in the game.
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RUST LADY BEARCATS WINS TITLE
Rust (28-3) defeated Fisk (20-9), 67-39, to take home the women’s title in dominating fashion. Kennedi Green scored a game-high 15 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished two assists in the championship game. Dekeriya Patterson and Niya McGuire contributed 11 points each. Diamond Sweats controlled the paint with 9 points and seven rebounds on the afternoon.
The Lady Bearcats’ defense was ferocious, holding The Lady Bulldogs to 24.1% scoring in the title game.
