GARLAND, TEXAS – Alcorn State advanced to the SWAC tournament semifinals with a 54-44 upset with over the No. 2 seed, Southern University. The Lady Braves (13-19) pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament to date, becoming the second lower seed to win in as many games. No. 9 seed Texas Soutnern beat No. 8 seed Jackson State on Tuesday in a mild upset.
Three Alcorn State players scored in double figures, led by junior guard Carolinsia Crumbly who finished with 15 points. Crumbly was 5-for-11 from the field and made 5-of-6 freethrow attempts. Senior guard Kiara Ruffin finished with 12 points, going a perfect 10-for-10 from the freethrow line. Junior forward Renelle Richmond hit 8-of-10 freethrows and tallied 10 points for Alcorn State.
Southern (13-13) was led by junior forward Lechell Rush who scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Senior forward Jamie Floyd had 10 rebounds.
The Jaguars led 30-22 at halftime. However, in the second half, the Southern offense sputtered badly. The Jaguars shot only 12% (3-for-24) in the final 20 minutes. The Lady Braves took advantage of the Southern shooting woes and rallied to take the lead. With 8:54 left, a layup by Isis Smith gave Alcorn State a 37-35 lead. The Lady Braves Wouldn’t trail again.
Video: SWAC Basketball Tournament Post Game Press Conference: Southern University
#1 Mississippi Valley State (18-12) 70, #9 Texas Southern (5-26) 47
Top seed Mississippi Valley State came from behind to roll into the semifinals with a win over determined Texas Southern. TSU led 24-18 with 3:44 left in the half. But, the Devilettes closed out the half with a 10-0 run to take a 28-24 lead at halftime. It was all MVSU in the second half as the Devilettes outscored TSU 42-23 to blow the game open.
Senior center Brittany Lakes led the way for MVSU, scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds. Lakes hit 3-of-4 fieldgoals and was 8-for-8 from the freethrow line. Guards Ka’Neshia Smith and De’Kisha Fondon each added 12 points.
Forward Gianne Fleming paced Texas Southern with 14 points, while guard Kayla West chipped in 10.
Upcoming Tournament Schedule
Thu. 3/8
Alabama A&M (17-11, 12-6) vs. Grambling State (14-14, 10-8), 10:00 a.m.
Alabama State (14-13, 11-7) vs. Prairie View (14-15, 11-7), 5:30 p.m.
Fri. 3/9 (Semifinals on SWAC-TV)
Alabama A&M/Grambling State vs. Alcorn State, 12:00 p.m.
Mississippi Valley vs. Alabama State/Prairie View A&M, 5:30 p.m.
Sat. 3/10 (Championship Game)
5:00 p.m. Live on ESPNU
