High-Flying Panthers Aim to Bounce Back Against Surging Bleu Devils

NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — A surging Dillard squad will look to continue its climb back to .500 when it hosts the nationally ranked Philander Smith Panthers in a key NAIA men’s basketball matchup on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.

The Panthers (11-2), whose only losses this season came against Tougaloo and Texas A&M-Texarkana, enter seeking to rebound from a rare off-night. Philander Smith was held to a season-low 54 points in a 72-54 road loss at Tougaloo on Jan. 15, its most recent contest. Despite the defeat, guard Jaxon Hampton shined, scoring 23 points. Hampton has been a consistent force, averaging 15 points over his last three games and will be the focal point of the Panthers’ offense.

Philander Smith’s resume remains impressive, featuring early-season wins over Talladega and a tight overtime victory at Paul Quinn. Their stout defense, which had held opponents under 80 points in nine straight games before the Tougaloo loss, will be tested by a Dillard team finding its rhythm.

The Bleu Devils (7-7) have won two of their last three, including an 85-79 home victory over that same Tougaloo team on Jan. 22. Forward Miles Williams has been instrumental in the resurgence, posting a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds in a win at Huston-Tillotson and adding 17 points in the Tougaloo triumph. His versatility presents a significant challenge for the Panthers’ frontcourt.

Dillard’s season has been marked by offensive extremes, from a 109-point overtime outburst in a loss at Paul Quinn to being held to 51 points in a road loss at Tougaloo earlier this month. Consistency will be key against a disciplined Philander Smith team.

This contest pits Philander Smith’s established winning pedigree against a Dillard team gaining confidence at home. The Panthers aim to reaffirm their status as a regional power, while the Bleu Devils see an opportunity to notch a statement win and push their record above .500 for the first time this season.

Tipoff is set for Thursday night at Dillard’s campus arena.