Preview: Dillard Looks to Rebound Against Tougaloo in NAIA Showdown

JACKSON, Miss. (Interstat) — A pair of teams seeking momentum in the new year will meet Thursday when the Dillard Bleu Devils visit the Tougaloo Bulldogs in a men’s NAIA basketball matchup.

The game, scheduled for Jan. 8, 2026, features two programs with nearly even records. The visiting Bleu Devils (5-5) aim to bounce back from a 99-84 home loss to William Carey on Monday. The Bulldogs (6-4) enter with confidence after an 88-64 road victory at Oakwood last Saturday.

Dillard will lean on forward Devin Lewis, who nearly posted a triple-double in the loss to William Carey, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes. Supporting scorers Christopher Landers (14 points) and Christian Pichon Jr. (13 points) will also be key as Dillard looks to improve its consistency after alternating wins and losses in its last five games.

Tougaloo counters with its own standout forward, Antonio Patterson, who is coming off a dominant 23-point, 10-rebound double-double against Oakwood. Patterson’s interior presence, alongside guards Tyler Hudson (16 points, six rebounds, four assists) and Jordan Ealey (16 points, 11 rebounds), gives the Bulldogs a balanced attack that has won three of its last four contests.

The Bulldogs have found success at home this season, including a 73-60 win over Arkansas Baptist in late November. Dillard, however, has struggled on the road, with a 1-3 record in true away games.

This contest serves as the first of two regular-season meetings between the rivals, with the rematch set for Jan. 22 in New Orleans. The outcome could provide a crucial early benchmark in conference positioning as both teams navigate a packed January schedule.

Tip-off is set for Thursday night at Tougaloo’s campus arena.