Image via UVI Athletics
Courtesy of Shaquille Richardson, SID, UVI Athletics
In a first-round matchup at the Historically Black College and Universities Athletic Conferences (HBCUAC) 2025 Hope Credit Union Basketball Championships, the University of The Virgin Islands Buccaneers suffered a defeat at the hands of the Wiley Wildcats, with a final score of 95-72 at the Birthright Alumni Hall in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Despite a valiant effort, the Buccaneers were unable to overcome the lead established by the Wildcats.
“We had an opportunity to make a statement here at the conference tournament, but unfortunately, we started the game a bit shaky, and Wiley capitalized on that,” stated Interim Head Coach Kevin Sheppard. “At the end of the day, there are 13 teams competing in this tournament, and only one will leave happy. It wasn’t our time, so it is a little disappointing, but it is not the end of Buccaneer Basketball. We will regroup and come back stronger.”
From the opening tip, the Wildcats quickly took control of the game, building a lead that they maintained throughout. They surged ahead by 22 points in the first period, significantly influencing the flow of the game. The Buccaneers, led by top scorers Nico Thomas with 23 points and Amayoa’ah Phillips with 18 points, displayed resilience but struggled against the strong defense of Wiley. Jalil Langston also made a notable contribution with 10 points and led the team in rebounds with seven, while also recording a team-high of two steals.
The first period ended with Wiley leading 47-26, putting the Buccaneers in a challenging position to mount a comeback. Despite a strong start in the second period, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Thomas, Wiley continued to extend their lead. The final score reflects Wiley’s dominant performance, bringing an early end to the Buccaneers’ tournament appearance.
The tournament, where the Buccaneers were seeded No. 8 and Wiley No. 9, presented a win-or-go-home scenario for both teams in a single-elimination format. Unfortunately, the loss in the first round of the tournament marked the conclusion of the University of The Virgin Islands’ 2024-2025 campaign for a conference title. With no further games this season, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and preparing for the upcoming season.
“It was a good season. We had some ups and downs, but the team grew and matured as the year progressed,” said Sheppard. “Overall, I am pleased with the year we had. We finished 8th after being expected to finish 11th. Looking ahead, our focus will be on further developing our returning players and strengthening the program through the recruitment process. I am grateful for the opportunity to guide and mentor these young men as they navigate their basketball careers, both on and off the court.”
