The Talladega College men's basketball team is making an early statement in the 2026–27 season after securing an impressive 97–90 victory over No. 23 William Carey University on Friday, October 30, during the Jimmy Faulkner Classic in Montgomery, Alabama.
The victory marked the Tornadoes' first win over a nationally ranked opponent this season and demonstrated the team's ability to compete against some of the top programs in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
William Carey entered the contest ranked No. 23 in the NAIA Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Top 25 Poll, providing Talladega with an early opportunity to prove itself on the national stage.
Tornadoes Deliver Against Nationally Ranked Competition
Talladega entered the matchup determined to establish its presence, showcasing an aggressive offensive attack and strong team execution.
The Tornadoes battled through a competitive opening half, taking a 52–47 advantage into the locker room. Despite William Carey's efforts to regain momentum, Talladega maintained its offensive rhythm and responded to challenges throughout the second half.
The Tornadoes extended their lead to as many as 12 points before securing the seven-point victory.
Huguley Leads Balanced Offensive Attack
Tramarian Huguley delivered an outstanding performance, leading Talladega with a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds. Huguley shot 10-of-17 from the field, providing a dominant presence in the paint and recording a double-double.
Malik Hinton and KeShawn Watkins added 16 points apiece. Hinton also contributed five assists and two steals, while Watkins grabbed nine rebounds to help strengthen Talladega's inside presence.
Jordan Moore finished with 13 points and four assists, while Treyon Delmore contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and three steals.
Isaiah Mayes provided valuable production off the bench, scoring nine points while connecting on all four of his field-goal attempts.
The balanced scoring effort reflected Talladega's offensive depth and ability to generate contributions from multiple players.
Team Execution Fuels Victory
Talladega finished the contest shooting 48.3 percent from the field while recording 20 assists, demonstrating effective ball movement and offensive execution.
The Tornadoes also capitalized on opportunities at the free-throw line, converting 36 of 48 attempts for 75 percent.
Defensively, Talladega forced 18 William Carey turnovers and converted those opportunities into 23 points. The Tornadoes also collected 41 rebounds and nine steals in the victory.
The combination of offensive efficiency, defensive intensity, and balanced production proved instrumental in securing the team's first nationally ranked victory of the season.
A Strong Start for the Tornadoes
Under the leadership of Head Coach Jameus Hartsfield, Talladega is building early-season momentum and demonstrating its potential to compete at a high level.
Following the victory over William Carey, the Tornadoes continued their winning ways with a commanding 98–75 victory over Faulkner University on Saturday, October 31, improving their overall record to 3–0.
With three consecutive victories to open the season, including a win over a nationally ranked opponent, Talladega is establishing itself as a team to watch in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) and throughout the NAIA.
The early success reflects the Tornadoes' preparation, competitive determination, and commitment to building a championship-caliber program.
As Talladega continues its 2026–27 campaign, the Tornadoes will look to build upon their undefeated start and carry that momentum into the challenges ahead.
The message is clear: Talladega College men's basketball is starting strong, and the Tornadoes are ready to make their presence felt this season.
