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SWAC Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

By Daniel Benjamin

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Byron Smith of the Prairie View A&M Panthers in action against the Seton Hall Pirates during a college basketball game at Prudential Center on December 22, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Byron Smith of the Prairie View A&M Panthers in action against the Seton Hall Pirates during a college basketball game at Prudential Center on December 22, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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SWAC Basketball Southern University Jaguars (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
SWAC Basketball Southern University Jaguars (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Quarterfinals

Wednesday, March 10

Game 1: No. 2 Jackson State vs. No. 7 Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 2 p.m. on ESPN3

Jackson State took both of the regular-season matchups by a combined 14 points, but each contest was a back and forth affair. The big difference was the Tigers outrebounding the Golden Lions by 15 boards and outscoring them 27-8 in second-chance points. Plus, UAPB has no answer for Jarrett, who tallied 63 points along with 26 rebounds over the two games. JSU’s McKinnis missed the most recent matchup. Score: JSU 68-56.

Game 2: No. 1 Prairie View A&M vs. No. 8 Mississippi Valley State,  8:30 p.m. on ESPN3

Prairie View has dominated MVSU in the two previous meetings, outscoring the Delta Devils 159-93 as the Panthers defense has forced 52 turnovers. PV wins 85-54.

Thursday, March 11

Game 3: No. 3 Texas Southern vs. No. 6 Alcorn State, 2 p.m. on ESPN3

Alcorn State played Texas Southern extremely tough last week, falling to the Tigers 80-78 after holding a double-digit lead in the second half. While the Braves have the ability to give TSU fits once again as they do a great job at limiting turnovers and shoot the ball well enough as well as have a go-to-scorer in Crosby, I expect that Texas Southern’s depth and Alcorn’s inability to stay out of foul trouble to be the difference. Score:  Texas Southern 77-74.

Game 4:  No. 4 Grambling State vs. No 5 Southern, 8:30 on ESPN3

This game has the making to be a fantastic contest. The teams split the two meetings this year, with each squad winning on the other team’s home court. I like Grambling State to nab a close win here, 69-68, but the Tigers need to get out to a strong start. Turnovers and 3-point shooting will be the keys in this one.

Friday, March 12:  Semifinals

Game 5: No. 3 Texas Southern vs. No. 2 Jackson State, 2 p.m.  ESPN3

If these two teams meet, it will be the first time this season that they face off. I will take Texas Southern 72-70 as they are the better shooting team and more efficient on the offensive end. Free throw shooting could be key if TSU is able to make this game a “track meet.”

Game 6: No. 1 Prairie View A&M vs. No. 4 Grambling State 8:30 p.m. ESPN3

Prairie View has won six straight games against Grambling and basically cruised in the team’s only meeting this year as Mack was sensational at controlling the game. PV advances to the conference championship with a 72-63 victory.

Next. Latest top-25 power rankings. dark

March 13: Championship

No. 1 Prairie View A&M vs. No. 3 Texas Southern, 5 p.m. ESPNU.

I will go with the Panthers to repeat as SWAC Tournament champions and earn the conference automatic bid by holding off the Tigers 80-76. PV has defeated TSU in each of the last three meetings, though they had to hold off fierce comeback attempts by the Tigers in each of the last two contests. Daniels and forcing turnovers have been the difference for the Panthers in the two games this year.