December 18, 2025 — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The CIU Falcons turned Winter Madness into their personal proving ground, cutting down the nets with authority in an 83–69 triumph over Palm Beach to capture the Winter Madness Mid-Season Small College Tournament. In just the university’s inaugural athletic season, the Falcons have already found their championship voice—and it’s ringing loud.
Leading the charge was junior guard Noah Smith, whose shooting touch stayed red-hot as he poured in a game-high 22 points, torching the nets like a Florida sunset. Off the bench came electricity in sneakers, as “Dr. J” Jalen Tiggett erupted with three long-range daggers and a thunderous dunk that shook the building, finishing with a season-high 12 points and three emphatic blocks. Elijah Cirilo took flight early and often, knifing through the defense with power and purpose to add 11 points of his own.
Defense, however, was the backbone of the championship run. Coach Smalley lauded his team’s relentless pressure, highlighted by Jonathan Hakim, the lock-em-forward who clamped down defensively while also delivering 15 points. Chase Nelson embodied grit and sacrifice, diving across the hardwood for loose balls, absorbing contact, and contributing 8 crucial points that swung momentum firmly in CIU’s favor.
“Our team effort was tremendous,” said Coach Smalley after the final horn. “I’m happy to be going home for the break with our first championship trophy.”
With the Winter Madness crown secured and confidence soaring, the Falcons head into the break with an 11–3 record, carrying not just a trophy—but the unmistakable stamp of a program on the rise.
