Image via SWAC.org
Courtesy of the Southwestern Athletic Conference
ATLANTA, Georgia- The Southern Jaguars claimed their fourth SWAC Tournament Championship title in the past three seasons after claiming a 73-56 over the Alabama State Hornets at Gateway Arena.
The Jaguars used an impressive display of offensive production coupled with a stellar defensive effort to win the title in spectacular fashion. Southern’s Zaria Hurston paced the Jaguars offensively scoring a team high 13 points to go along with three rebounds and one steal.
SU’s Olivia Delancy added 12 points, D’Shantae Edwards tallied 11 points and Jocelyn Tate contributed 10 points to round out the list of Jaguars double-digit points contributors.
Caylee Simpson tallied a game-high 19 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the floor to lead the Lady Hornets scoring attack. ASU’s Shamya Reid contributed 10 points to go along with two rebounds and one steal.
Southern scored 32 points inside the paint, 21 points off fastbreak opportunities and 16 points of Lady Hornets miscues. SU’s defense limited Alabama State to shooting 28 percent from the field (17-60) while forcing 20 turnovers.
Southern’s Tate was named the 2026 SWAC Women’s Basketball Tournament Most Valuable Player after an impressive display of performances throughout the duration of the event.
With the win the Jaguars clinched a berth in the upcoming NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament marking the second consecutive year that they have qualified for the Big Dance.
All-Tournament Team
Kaila Walker, Alabama A&M
Khaniah Gardner, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Caylee Simpson, Alabama State
Olivia Delancy, Southern
Jocelyn Tate, Southern (MVP)
