SWAC Basketball: Alabama State slides down the rankings as Bethune-Cookman continues to rise closer to the top
9. Alabama A&M SWAC: 5-6 (Last Week: 8) (Last Weekend's Record: 1-1) (Upcoming Games: 2/17: vs MVSU 2/19 vs UAPB)
The Bulldogs had a productive road trip without their leading scorer Dallin Smith, earning a split against the top two SWAC teams. The Bulldogs couldn't capitalize on an early 12 point lead against Southern. 21 turnovers will make it easy for the opponent to win. Chad Moodie led the way with 12 points. The Bulldogs upset Grambling on Monday using defense to erase an early 8-point deficit. Ultimately AAMU would pull away. led by Cameron Tucker and Omari Peek (14 points). With two upcoming home games against struggling opponents the Bulldogs have a great opportunity to solidify their tournament hopes. This is definitely one of those teams I wouldn't want to play in a one-and-done format.
8. Prairie View A&M SWAC: 5-6 (Last Week: 7) (Last Weekend's Record: 1-1) (Upcoming Games: 2/17: vs SU 2/19 vs GSU)
Just like my previous entry, the Panthers got a valuable split on the road. Although in their case the Panthers couldn't secure an upset, they did maintain pace for a tournament spot. The Panthers fell in the rankings because of the success of other teams. Against BCU they fell behind early and were never able to make the game competitive. Charles Lane led the way with 22 points. Brian Myles had his first of two double-doubles with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Prairie View grinded out a 3-point lead against FAMU. Javontae Hopkins and Charles Lane scored 18 points apiece. Myles had his second double-double with 12 points and 18 rebounds. The Panthers have a tough home stand ahead of them facing Southern and Grambling State. There is a 3 way tie for the final tournament spot, the Panthers have a great chance to get that number 8 spot.
7. Alabama State SWAC: 6-5 (Last Week: 4) (Last Weekend's Record: 0-2) (Upcoming Games: 2/17: vs UAPB 2/19 vs MVSU)
The Hornets had a weekend of missed opportunities, playing the top two teams (at the time). One win would have gone a long way in improving their stock. But two losses pushed them from a second-place tie to a 5th place tie. With all the movement below them they fell 3 spots in my rankings. Against Grambling, Bama State fell behind double digits early but was able to chip away at the lead. Ultimately they would lose by 6. TJ Madlock led the way with 20 points. On Monday the Hornets could never overtake Southern in a tightly contested game. Madlock, CJ Hines, and Isaiah Range combined for only 14 points in the loss. I've been saying that I had no idea what was the Hornet's identity. And well...I have a slightly better idea. Bama State is an athletic team that can cause problems when their guards are hot. I just don't know if that is enough to be a contender.