The University of the Virgin Islands Buccaneers will face Fisk University Tuesday in the opening round of the 2026 Hope Credit Union Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference Basketball Championship in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
UVI, 3-13, enters the tournament as the No. 8 seed from the Western Division and will play the No. 5 seed from the Eastern Division. The tournament runs Feb. 24 through March 1 at Birthright Alumni Hall on the campus of Stillman University, UVI announced in a press release.
Although UVI is recognized as a member of the HBCUAC, the Buccaneers competed as an independent this season and were not required to play conference games. They received an automatic seed in the conference tournament, according to the press release.
The teams have not met this season. Their last meeting was Dec. 13, 2024, at the HBCUAC Crossover hosted by Wilberforce University. UVI won 91-65 at a neutral site, the press release stated.
Fisk averages 80.2 points per game and shoots 44.8% from the field and 36.1% from 3-point range. The Bulldogs allow 81 points per game, the release stated.
UVI will look to limit Fisk’s perimeter shooting and increase its offensive production.
Head coach Kevin Sheppard said the postseason format leaves little margin for error.
“From this point forward, it’s a one-and-done scenario,” Sheppard said. “As tournament time approaches, every team will be prepared, but I am confident in our capabilities at this stage of the season. Our team is strong in many areas, and as long as we play Buccaneer basketball the way we know how, we will succeed. The journey ahead is long and challenging, but our focus must remain on one game at a time. This is about earning respect for the University of the Virgin Islands at this point, and I believe this team is capable of achieving that.”
The Buccaneers are seeking their first HBCUAC tournament victory after first-round exits the past two seasons, the release stated.
Tipoff is set for 9 a.m. CST on Tuesday. The game and all HBCUAC tournament contests will stream live at www.urbandedgenetwork.com.
