Week 7 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Women’s Major Division Top 5 saw a new participant enter the mix, while the remaining four teams played musical chairs.
5.Alabama State Hornets ( 12-12, 9-4)
The Hornets enter the Week 7 polls after previously falling outside the top 5. Alabama State went 2-1 last week. The Hornets started the week off with a 67-53 defeat at the hands of Grambling before bouncing back with an 86-70 win over Mississippi Valley on February 12. Alabama State is third in the SWAC, behind Alabama A&M and Alcorn State.
4.Norfolk State Lady Spartans ( 13-12, 8-2)
The Lady Spartans of Norfolk State move up a spot to No.4 in this week’s rankings. The Lady Spartans went 3-0 last week. NSU began the week with a 58-45 defeat of North Carolina Central, which marked the 50th career win for head coach Jermaine Woods—the rest of the week consisted of a 57-51 win over Maryland Eastern Shore on February 12.
3. Alcorn State Braves ( 14-10, 11-2)
Alcorn State improves its position by one to No,4 in the Week 7 rankings. The Braves began their 3-game week with a 64-60 loss against UAPB on February 7, but did salvage things with a 62-50 win over Florida A&M on February 12. Alcorn State is currently second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, trailing only Alabama A&M.
2.Howard Bison ( 19-7, 9-1)
The Lady Bison moves up to No.2 in the weekly rankings. Winners of six straight, Howard enjoyed a perfect 2-0 week, with wins coming over South Carolina State ( February 7) and Delaware State ( 68-51, February 12). Howard currently leads the MEAC.
1. Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs (16-9, 12-1)
Alabama A&M remains atop the rankings in Week 7. The Lady Bulldogs defeated Southern in a closely contested matchup, 56-54 to open up their play last week. This was followed by a decisive 82-54 shellacking of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on February 12.
Guard Kalia Walker was named SWAC Player of the Week, averaging 17.0 points 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 steals in the two wins. Forward/center Jaida Belton averaged 13.5 points 9.5 boards, 1.5 blocks 1.0 steals, and 1.0 assists, and was named SWAC Impact Player of the Week.
Dropping Out :
UMES Hawks (7-3)
Receiving Votes :
Southern Jaguars (9-4) -39
UMES Hawks (7-3) -31
Coppin State Eagles (6-4) -17
Grambling State Tigers (6-6) -16
