#6 Devilettes crash Women’s bracket of 1-2, 4 seeds; Top 4 Men’s seeds advance
BIRMINGHAM – The SWAC Tournament’s “Final Four” is set in both women’s and men’s action as the original field of eight has been cut in half.
In women’s play, sixth-seeded Mississippi Valley State crashed the party of top seeds, defeating third-seeded Alabama State. The Devilettes will take on #2 Southern Friday at Noon in the first women’s semifinal. The second semifinal will have #1 seed Prairie View A&M facing #4 seed Univ. Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 5:30 p.m.
In the men’s bracket, #2 Jackson State will face #3 Prairie View Friday at 2:30 p.m. Friday in one semifinal. At 8 p.m., top-seeded Alabama State will face #4 Univ. Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 8 p.m.
FRIDAY’S SEMI-FINAL SCHEDULE
Noon Women
#2 Southern vs. #6 Mississippi Valley State
The Devilettes swept the season series from Southern. MVSU won at Southern 61-56 on Jan. 19 led by Kristen Ellis’ 11 points. Valley won at home 52-48 on Feb. 16 behind 14 points from Ashley Brown.
2:30 p.m. Men
#2 Jackson State vs. #3 Prairie View A&M
The teams each defended their home courts in splitting the season series. PV won at home 70-59 on Jan. 19 behind a balanced attack that had five players in double figures. Jackson State edged the Panthers at home, 62-61 on Feb. 16 behind 28 points from Grant Maxey.
5:30 p.m. Women
#1 Prairie View A&M vs. #4 Univ.–Arkansas Pine Bluff
The Lady Panthers swept the season series from UAPB. Prairie View rallied on the road from a 17-point halftime deficit to win 83-77 in overtime Jan. 26. The Lady Panthers then won by 17 points at home 70-53 on Feb. 23.
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8 p.m. Men
#1 Alabama State vs. #4 Univ-Arkansas Pine Bluff
Alabama State swept the season series, winning both games by an average of 5.5 points. ASU won at UAPB, 71-66 on Jan. 10 behind a 16-point effort from Roland Fitch. The Hornets won at home 65-59 as Brandon Brooks led the
way with 18 points.
