Rust College Women’s Basketball Captures 2026 HBCUAC Tournament Championship
HOLLY SPRINGS, MS – The Rust College Lady Bearcats are conference champions once again.
The Rust College Women’s Basketball Team has claimed the 2026 HBCU Athletic Conference
(HBCUAC) Tournament Championship, earning the program’s fourth tournament title in the past
five years – and the first under the newly renamed HBCUAC banner.
After posting an impressive 10-2 conference record during the regular season, the Lady Bearcats
entered the tournament with focus, determination, and a sense of redemption following last year’s
narrow two-point second-round loss to Dillard University.
This season, Rust College left no doubt about its championship caliber. The Lady Bearcats opened
tournament play with a commanding 79-49 victory over Huston-Tillotson University, followed by
a 72–58 win over Paul Quinn College to advance. In the semifinals, Rust faced its toughest
challenge, rallying from a 13-point deficit to defeat Oakwood University, 74–71, in an electrifying
finish that showcased the team’s resilience and championship poise.
In the title matchup against Talladega College, the Lady Bearcats delivered a complete team
performance to capture the championship crown with a 67–60 victory. Senior leaders Patsy
Johnson and Genae Garner powered Rust’s offense, combining for 46 of the team’s 67 points.
Johnson led all scorers with 25 points, five assists, and four steals, while Garner added 21 points
on six three-pointers.
Head Coach Jaleesa Sams praised her team’s commitment and competitive spirit throughout the
season.
“This group has shown resilience all year,” Sams said. “After last season’s early exit, they came
back hungry and determined. Winning four championships in five years speaks to the culture of
excellence within our program. I’m incredibly proud of how they competed and represented Rust
College.”
With the conference title secured, the Lady Bearcats now shift their attention to the national stage.
Rust College will prepare for the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament, scheduled to
begin March 13 in Sioux City, Iowa.
The 2026 Lady Bearcats have once again etched their name into Rust College history – and their
season is far from over.
For more information about Rust College Women’s Basketball and updates on the NAIA
National Tournament, visit rustathletics.com or follow Rust College Athletics on social media:
Instagram: @rust.athletics
Facebook: Rust College Athletics
Instagram: @rustcollegewbb
About Rust College
Rust College, established in 1866 by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, is the oldest and most esteemed historically Black college in Mississippi. Located in Holly
Springs, approximately 35 miles southeast of Memphis, Tennessee, Rust College offers a diverse
range of degree programs across multiple disciplines, including Business, Education, Humanities,
Science and Mathematics, and Social Science. The institution is dedicated to equipping and
inspiring students for excellence and service within their communities and throughout the world.
Rust College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on
Colleges, enabling it to confer both associate and baccalaureate degrees.
