Alabama State defeats Jackson State, secures NCAA Tournament berth

In a closely contested SWAC tournament championship, Alabama State edged out Jackson State with a 60-56 victory, securing their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2011. CJ Hines led Alabama State with 20 points, while Jackson State's Shannon Grant also contributed 20 points in the loss. The Tigers, who were aiming for their first SWAC title since 2007, struggled with shooting but maintained a competitive edge throughout the game. Despite the defeat, Jackson State had a strong run in the tournament, previously defeating Bethune-Cookman to reach the final. Meanwhile, Alcorn State's Lady Braves fell to Southern in their championship match, further highlighting a challenging tournament for the teams from Jackson State and Alcorn State. Both Jackson State and Alcorn are still seeking their first NCAA tournament appearances in over a decade.