PULASKI, Tenn. – The UT Southern men's basketball team opened its 2025–26 campaign in winning fashion Tuesday night, taking down Fisk University 87–76 at the Curry Athletic Complex. The Firehawks used a commanding first-half effort and balanced scoring to control the contest from start to finish.

The Firehawks jumped out to a 7–0 lead within the first two minutes, sparked by a Mike Bell Jr. three-pointer and quick baskets from Antonio Cochran and Daniel Reyes. UT Southern's defensive pressure forced multiple early turnovers, helping them stretch the advantage to 32–15 after a Luke Lentz three and a pair of layups from Khadir Muhammad in the paint. By halftime, the Firehawks led 43–26 after Cochran's deep three just before the buzzer.

Fisk found rhythm after the break, knocking down nine second-half triples to trim the deficit, but every run was answered by the Firehawks. Reyes' and-one layup at the 17:20 mark pushed the lead back to 20, while Lentz and Baldwin combined for a string of buckets to keep momentum in UTS's favor. Baldwin's late dunk in the final seconds capped the 11-point win.

De'Marreon Baldwin paced UT Southern with 17 points, six rebounds, and four steals, while Daniel Reyes notched 13 points and a game-high eight boards. Luke Lentz hit four three-pointers for 12 points off the bench, and Khadir Muhammad added 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Mike Bell Jr. contributed nine points and six rebounds, and Eric Robinson filled the stat sheet with six points, three assists, and four steals.

UT Southern's defense was key to the victory—forcing 24 turnovers that led to 25 points, while dominating inside with a 46–20 edge in points in the paint. The Firehawks' bench also provided a major spark, accounting for 33 points.

UT Southern (1–0) returns to action on Monday, November 4, hosting Oakwood University at the Curry Athletic Complex. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. after the conclusion of the women's game.

FOLLOW THE FIREHAWKS

Stay up to date with all the latest action from UTS Athletics! Follow the Firehawks on social media:
Twitter: @utsathletics
Instagram: @utsouthernathletics
Facebook: @UT Southern Firehawks

Don't miss a moment — Go Firehawks!