In a game that turned the Billy C. Hawkins Student Activity Center into a wall of sound, Talladega College delivered a thrilling 79–64 comeback win over Rust College in Thursday night's conference clash. The energy inside the gym was electric from start to finish, with fans roaring, stomping, and willing the Tornadoes forward during every possession.

Rust came out hot, piling up 43 first-half points and burying eight threes to build early separation. Talladega struggled to find offensive rhythm in those opening minutes, but the crowd's energy never dipped. Every defensive stop and transition bucket was met with cheers that shook the bleachers.

The turning point came after halftime. Talladega erupted for 51 second-half points, flipping the game with relentless pressure, crisp ball movement, and timely shot-making. The Tornadoes attacked the paint, crashed the glass, and fed off a home crowd that never let up.

Tre Simmons led the charge with 19 points, including five momentum-shifting three-pointers. His deep-range shooting ignited runs that swung the game back in Talladega's favor. Arthur Williams poured in 13 points and five rebounds, dominating the second half with a flurry of drives and mid-range scores.

Talladega also got strong production from Derek Burditt, who finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Isaiah Mayes added eight points and five rebounds off the bench. The Tornadoes' balanced attack wore Rust down as the game intensified.

Rust's Kory Young kept the visitors in the fight, dropping 19 points, but Talladega's depth, defense, and pace proved too overwhelming down the stretch. The Tornadoes outrebounded Rust 38–26, created 18 assists, and turned defensive stops into transition points in a high-tempo final 20 minutes.

As the clock wound down, Talladega fans transformed into a true sixth man—clapping, screaming, and chanting with every score. The building felt like it might burst as the Tornadoes closed the game on a surge, punctuating a statement conference win in front of a packed house.

By the final buzzer, the crowd was on its feet and the energy was unforgettable. It was college basketball at its best—fast, physical, dramatic, and loud. 

The victory sets the stage for an even bigger matchup as Talladega College prepares to host Stillman College in the inaugural History Meets Hardwood Classic. The rivalry between the two programs runs deep, and with bragging rights and momentum on the line, the Tornadoes will look to carry the energy of Thursday night into a highly anticipated showdown.

The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans, alumni, and supporters filling the Billy C. Hawkins Student Activity Center to witness a historic head-to-head battle. If Thursday night was any indication, Talladega's home crowd could once again be the deciding factor.

Talladega vs. Stillman – History Meets Hardwood Classic
Saturday, December 6 | Billy C. Hawkins Student Activity Center