Alabama State edged out Grambling State 64-62 in a thrilling semifinal matchup of the 2025 Starry SWAC Men’s Basketball Tournament on Friday afternoon at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta.

The fifth-seeded Hornets (18-15) withstood a fierce challenge from the eighth-seeded Tigers (13-22), which had been on an impressive run after upsetting top-seeded Southern in overtime earlier in the tournament.

Amarr Knox led Alabama State with a game-high 20 points, while TJ Madlock contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds. The Hornets’ bench provided crucial support, scoring 37 points and helping secure the victory.

Grambling State, led by Kintavious Dozier’s 18 points and Mikale Stevenson’s 15 points and 5 assists, fought hard but fell just short of continuing their Cinderella run. P.J. Eason added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Tigers.

WE ARE GOING TO PLAY FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP ❗

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— Bama State Athletics (@BamaStateSports) March 14, 2025

The game remained tight throughout, with neither team able to build a substantial lead. Alabama State’s strong three-point shooting, converting 14 of 29 attempts, proved to be a key factor in the win.

With this victory, Alabama State advances to the SWAC championship game on Saturday, where they will face the winner of the Jackson State-Bethune Cookman semifinal for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.