Sports
Alabama State Falls to Auburn, 83-63, in First-Round Matchup
Hornets Show Fight but Fall Short Against Top-Seeded Tigers
Alabama State’s tournament journey came to an end in a tough 83-63 loss to Auburn in the opening round. The SWAC champions entered the game as heavy underdogs but showed heart and resilience before ultimately succumbing to the top-seeded Tigers’ firepower.
Auburn’s Shooting Proves Too Much
Senior guard Miles Kelly was the star of the night, lighting up the scoreboard with 23 points, including eight three-pointers. His sharpshooting stretched Alabama State’s defense, making it difficult for the Hornets to gain control. Despite their efforts to close the gap, Alabama State struggled to slow down Auburn’s offensive rhythm.
Hornets’ Missed Opportunities
The Hornets had moments where they threatened to shift the momentum, especially in the first half when they were on the verge of taking the lead. However, missed free throws proved costly, allowing Auburn to seize control. The Tigers capitalized on Alabama State’s struggles by closing the first half on a decisive 9-0 run, effectively putting the game out of reach.
A Hard-Fought Effort
Alabama State played with passion and intensity, showcasing why they were SWAC champions. They fought until the final buzzer, but Auburn’s depth and experience proved too much to overcome. Despite the loss, the Hornets demonstrated the grit and determination that defines HBCU basketball on the national stage.
What’s Next for Auburn?
With this victory, Auburn moves on to face 9-seed Creighton in the second round. Creighton’s high-scoring offense, which powered them past Louisville, will present a new challenge for the Tigers. If Auburn hopes to advance further, they will need to bring their defensive prowess to counter Creighton’s sharpshooters.
Although Alabama State’s tournament run has come to an end, they leave with valuable experience and the pride of representing their conference on the big stage. The Hornets may be out of the tournament, but their performance showcased the growing strength and talent of HBCU basketball.
The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.
On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.
Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.
The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.
On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.
Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.
The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.
Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.
Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.
The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.
The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.
On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.
On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.
MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.
The CIAA saw strong championship performances on both sides as Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Virginia Union controlled the men’s meet with steady scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, building enough separation to hold off challengers and secure the championship.
On the women’s side, Winston-Salem State continued its strong run in CIAA competition, delivering a balanced performance highlighted by relay strength and consistent event scoring to secure another conference title.
CIAA track & field continues to run through two established powers at the top of the conference.
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