Team McLendon 79, Team Gaines 75
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Team McLendon, made up of players from the MEAC and SIAC defeated Team Gaines comprised of players from the SWAC and CIAA at the first HBCU All-Star Game played at the University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena.
The game, staged between Saturday’s Final Four in New Orleans and Monday’s NCAA championship game, was carried live on CBS Sunday afternoon.
Team McLendon, named in honor of Hall of Fame coach John McLendon and coached by Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones and Benedict head coach Fred Watson, pulled away late and was able to hold off Team Gaines for the win. Team Gaines, named in honor of legendary former Winston-Salem State Hall of Fame coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines, was coached by Alcorn State head coach Landon Bussie and Lin- coln (Pa. ) head coach Corey Lowery.
Benedict 6-8 forward Tahj Green, the SIAC player of the year, was named the Most Valuable Player thanks to his 12-point, seven-rebound performance. His teammate, Hampton forward Najee Garvin added 12 points. Texas Southern’s 6-9 big man Brison Gresham led Team Gaines with 12 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks. The game is the brainchild of HBCU All-Star Game founder Travis Williams.
