LOUISBURG, N.C. – Freshman Donovan Majette capped a breakout debut with the game-winning layup in the final seconds as Louisburg College edged Virginia Peninsula Community College 81–80 on Saturday afternoon at Roger G. Taylor Arena.

The Hurricanes (1–0) opened the 2025–26 campaign in dramatic fashion, surviving a tense final minute after leading by as many as 10 in the second half. The decisive bucket came with nine seconds remaining when Isaiah Smith drove the lane and found Majette cutting to the rim for a smooth reverse finish that sent the home crowd into a roar.

Isaiah Smith, a 6'5" freshman guard from Roxboro (Southeastern Prep), led all scorers with 21 points, catching fire in the second half with 13 after the break. Majette, a 6'5" freshman wing from Raleigh (East Wake HS), added 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including five three-pointers in an electric debut performance.

Louisburg trailed early as Virginia Peninsula's full-court pressure forced turnovers, but a late first-half surge flipped the momentum. The Hurricanes outscored the Gators 20–9 over the final eight minutes before halftime to take a 37–36 lead at the break.

The second half was a showcase of freshman poise. Jayde Braswell ran the offense efficiently with eight points and three assists, while Robbie Knotts III added eight points and drew a pair of key charges. Sophomore forward Nehemiah McDonald anchored the paint with nine points, seven rebounds, and clutch free-throw shooting despite limited field goals.

Louisburg shot 53% from the field and 45% from three-point range (10-for-22), showing the kind of offensive balance that head coach Brian Bagwell emphasized throughout the preseason.

"It wasn't perfect, but it was tough, together basketball," Bagwell said afterward. "We've got a young group, and they showed composure when it mattered most."

The Hurricanes held Virginia Peninsula scoreless over the final 20 seconds to preserve the one-point win, forcing a turnover on the Gators' last possession as Smith dribbled out the clock.

Louisburg will look to build on the strong start when they return to Roger G. Taylor Arena on Wednesday, November 5, to host Patrick & Henry Community College at 6:30 p.m.