The Mississippi Valley State Devilettes are still dancing.
In a thrilling opening-round battle of the SWAC Tournament at the Gateway Center Arena, MVSU edged past Florida A&M 68-65 in overtime, punching its ticket to the next round.
It was the first SWAC tournament win for MVSU since the 2012-13 season.
The Devilettes (9-22, 6-12 SWAC) showed resilience and heart, overcoming multiple deficits in a back-and-forth contest that featured six ties and 19 lead changes. Led by Jaylia Reed’s clutch shooting, Clemisha Prackett’s dominance in the paint, and a gritty defensive effort, MVSU sealed the deal with a strong closing stretch in overtime.
“They’ve been counting us out, but we’re here to make a statement,” said Prackett. “I’m happy we are here. We are showing our skills and what we can do. We are here.”
MVSU’s ability to capitalize on key possessions proved to be the difference. Reed led all scorers with 18 points, drilling three triples and sinking crucial free throws late in the game. Prackett added 16 points and eight rebounds, anchoring the inside game, while D’Yanna Maxey chipped in 14 points and eight boards, despite fouling out.
Left it all on the floor! 🔥🏀@MVSUDevilSports advances to the Quarterfinals of the 2025 SWAC Tournament. They will play against Southern tomorrow at 5:30 PM EST.#SWACWBB | #BuildingChampionsForLife pic.twitter.com/F2pXMU1wdZ
— Southwestern Athletic Conference (@theswac) March 12, 2025
The game was a defensive battle early, with both teams struggling from the field, but MVSU’s defensive pressure forced 20 turnovers, leading to 15 points off miscues. The Devilettes also dominated second-chance opportunities, pulling down 17 offensive rebounds to keep possessions alive.
MVSU trailed 29-27 at halftime and entered the fourth quarter down by three, but a late surge, including a clutch three-pointer from Reed, sent the game into overtime. In the extra period, the Devilettes outscored FAMU 11-8, holding their opponents to just one field goal down the stretch.
Florida A&M (9-21, 6-12 SWAC) was led by Saige Glover’s 22 points and 16 rebounds, but the Rattlers were stifled in overtime by MVSU’s defense.
With the victory, the Devilettes will now focus on the SWAC quarterfinals, where they will face No. 1 seed Southern University.
MVSU has now won four consecutive games in March — its longest winning streak of the season.
“Our motto has been to go undefeated in March,” said interim head coach Jason James. “We’re 4-0 in March.”
Courtesy: Mississippi Valley State Athletics
I have been observing MVSU basketball team throughout the season. I am of the opinion that the team is not playing up to its potential! With Coach Ivory extensive basketball experience Valley should be a serious threat to any opponent! In addition, Valley’s geographical location in Mississippi enables Valley coaches to recruit players from several states as well as the “rich Delta” from Memphis to New Orleans, a haven of talent just waiting to be tapped! The question is: when is Valley’s basketball, football, track, baseball & other coaches are going to tap into their “rich mine field of talent”?