For Alabama A&M, Thursday night’s win wasn’t just about advancing to the next round of the SWAC Tournament.
It was about faith, focus, and finally breaking free from history.
The Bulldogs ended a 23-game losing streak to Texas Southern with a gritty 85-74 overtime win that also tested their physical limits — especially for players observing Ramadan.
Bilal Abdur-Rahman said fasting during tournament week added another layer of challenge but also deepened his relationship with teammate Sami Pissis, who is also participating.
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide, which involves a month of fasting, communal prayer, reflection, study of the Quran, and community service, among other activities surrounding the period.
“Me and Sammy, we’ve been staying together in hotels, helping each other through it,” Abdur-Rahman said after the game. “It’s a lot physically, but you’ve got to win the mental battle. Once you do that, you’ll be alright.”
That mental battle was front and center for a program that hadn’t beaten the Tigers since before most of its current roster arrived on campus.
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Bulldogs finally break streak
Head coach Donte Jackson admitted he didn’t realize the streak stretched back to the 2014 season until a team staff member mentioned it before tipoff.
“I didn’t even know it was 23 straight until I saw it in the archives,” he said with a grin. “That became a little extra motivation, because at the end of the day, it can’t be 24. We had to find a way to win.”
Find a way, they did. Behind a balanced scoring attack and sharp defense down the stretch, Alabama A&M surged past Texas Southern to punch its ticket to the next round — and into a bit of program redemption.
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Koron Davis led the way for Alabama A&M, scoring a game-high 24 points, along with six rebounds and a pair of assists. Rahman came off the bench to provide 19 points, on 7-of-12 shooting.
Kintavious Dozier scored all 12 of his points in the second half.
Jaylen Wysinger paced Texas Southern with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Bryce Roberts and Duane Posey recorded 15 and 13 points, respectively, for the Tigers.
For a roster balancing faith, fatigue, and high stakes under tournament lights, the win symbolized more than a box score breakthrough.
“It just feels great to advance,” Jackson said. “These guys earned it — every possession.”
