6. Jackson State SWAC: 8-6 (Last Week: 5) (Last Weekend's Record: 0-1) (Upcoming Games: 3/2 @TSU 3/4 @PVU)
The Tigers find themselves fighting for a top 4 seed, this week they slipped one spot in the rankings from 5 to 6. Saturday's game against Alcorn was a strange and frustrating affair. JSU went to overtime against the Braves but they were outscored by 14 points in the extra period. Keionte Corneiĺus led the way with 19 points. With all the mess at the bottom of the standings, the Tigers aren't in much danger of missing the tournament. But their upward movement may be limited due to the teams ahead of them playing well. Saturday's game against TSU is important because it gives them the opportunity to gain ground. I think JSU will finish the season strong and earn the 5th seed in the tournament.
5. Bethune-Cookman SWAC: 9-6 (Last Week: 8) (Last Weekend's Record: 2-0) (Upcoming Games: 3/2 @SU 3/4 @GSU)
After losing two straight games the Wildcats had a strong bounce-back weekend winning both games. BCU needed late-game heroics from Dashon Dyson to escape against AAMU. Zion Harmon was the leading scorer with 15 points. The Cardiac Cats did it again on Monday winning in overtime against Bama State. Jakobi Heady earned a double-double in the win (24 points and 10 rebounds). If the Wildcats want to move up the standings they will need to win out. Doing so would mean sweeping the Louisiana road trip. That is certainly possible but I don't think they will do it. My prediction is that the Wildcats finish as the 6 seed.
4. Southern SWAC: 10-4 (Last Week: 3) (Last Weekend's Record: 0-1) (Upcoming Games: 3/2 vs BCU 3/4 vs FAMU)
The Jaguars seem to be cooling off at the wrong time as they have lost their hold on the top spot. Saturday's loss to Grambling was the same as their first matchup with the Tigers. Southern raced out to a double-digit lead, they would again lose that lead and the game. Brandon Davis scored 12 points in the loss. Of the teams battling for the top 4 spots, I am most concerned with the Jaguars. They need help if they want that top spot due to being swept by Grambling. First things first the Jags need to get back on track with this weekend’s homestead. They must win both games to keep pace with GSU. I think Southern will figure things out and earn the 2 seed.