Southern Captures Back-to-Back SWAC Tournament Titles with Win Over Alabama State

ATLANTA, Ga. — Southern University delivered a dominant performance on both ends of the floor to secure another Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.

The Jaguars defeated Alabama State 73–56 at Gateway Arena to capture the 2026 SWAC Women’s Basketball Tournament title, marking Southern’s fourth tournament championship in the last three seasons and securing back-to-back conference crowns.

Southern controlled the game with efficient offense and a stifling defensive effort that kept the Lady Hornets off balance throughout the contest.

Zaria Hurston led the Jaguars offensively with 13 points, adding three rebounds and a steal. Olivia Delancy contributed 12 points, while D’Shantae Edwards finished with 11 points. Jocelyn Tate added 10 points to round out four Southern players scoring in double figures.

Alabama State was led by Caylee Simpson, who posted a game-high 19 points on 5-of-12 shooting. Shamya Reid added 10 points, two rebounds and a steal for the Lady Hornets.

Southern’s ability to capitalize on opportunities proved to be the difference. The Jaguars scored 32 points in the paint, added 21 fast-break points and turned Alabama State mistakes into 16 points off turnovers.

Defensively, Southern held Alabama State to just 28 percent shooting from the field (17-for-60) while forcing 20 turnovers.

For her standout performances throughout the tournament, Southern’s Jocelyn Tate was named the 2026 SWAC Women’s Basketball Tournament Most Valuable Player.

With the victory, the Jaguars secured an automatic berth in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, marking the second consecutive year Southern has advanced to the national stage.

2026 SWAC Women’s Basketball All-Tournament Team
Kaila Walker — Alabama A&M
Khaniah Gardner — Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Caylee Simpson — Alabama State
Olivia Delancy — Southern
Jocelyn Tate — Southern (MVP)