Alabama A&M Heads to SWAC Tournament Quarterfinals Against Texas Southern The Alabama A&M University men’s basketball team will compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday, facing Texas Southern at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, Ga. The Bulldogs, seeded fifth in the tournament, will take on the fourth-seeded Tigers in a 2 p.m. contest broadcast on ESPN+. The matchup marks the first meeting between the teams this season, though they crossed paths once during the regular season. In a game on January 24 in Houston, Texas, Texas Southern staged a dramatic comeback, overcoming a 16-point deficit in the second half to secure an 89-74 victory. Alabama A&M enters the tournament with a 17-14 record, having lost three of its last four games. The Bulldogs’ regular-season finale ended in a 88-85 loss to Southern at the AAMU Event Center on March 5. Texas Southern, with a 12-17 record, closed its regular season with two consecutive wins, falling to Prairie View A&M in their final game. The tournament seeding includes Bethune-Cookman as the No. 1 seed, Florida A&M as the No. 2 seed, and Southern as the No. 3 seed. Arkansas-Pine Bluff is the sixth seed, with Jackson State and Prairie View A&M ranked seventh and eighth, respectively. Grambling State is the ninth seed, and Alabama State is the 10th. Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State round out the bracket as the 11th and 12th seeds. The Bulldogs’ path to the tournament included a first winning season in 21 years, highlighted by key performances from players like Davis and Graham. Despite recent setbacks, Alabama A&M aims to build on its momentum in the postseason.#gateway_center_arena #texas_southern #alabama_a_m #southwestern_athletic_conference #atlanta_ga
SWAC Tournament Game Preview: Tigers Look to Stay Hot as Bulldogs Seek Revenge The SWAC Basketball Tournament doesn’t reward sentiment or history—it only rewards teams that show up ready to fight. For Texas Southern, that means facing Alabama A&M in a quarterfinal matchup that blends a grudge match with a proving ground. The Tigers, seeded fourth, will take on the fifth-seeded Bulldogs on Thursday, a game that carries weight beyond just the standings. The two programs have a history of intense competition, most notably a dramatic regular-season showdown where Texas Southern erased a 16-point deficit to win 89-74. Now, in single-elimination play, both teams know the scoreboard means nothing. The matchup also carries an undercurrent tied to Otis Hughley Jr., the longtime TSU assistant coach who recently took over as head coach at Alabama A&M. For Hughley, the game represents more than just a rivalry—it’s a personal challenge, as he seeks to lead his new team past his former program. TSU head coach Johnny Jones acknowledged the emotional stakes for Hughley but emphasized that the focus remains on the present. “Every game is separate, especially when you get to the postseason,” Jones said. The tension between the teams was evident in their regular-season clash, with both sides playing with intensity, technical fouls called, and a sense of pride that reflects the legacies of both programs. Texas Southern’s path to this point has been defined by resilience. Their January victory over Alabama A&M was fueled by a strong bench, with reserves contributing 41 points. However, the Tigers now face a challenge in maintaining that depth. Several veteran contributors have been sidelined by injuries, and key forward Troy Hupstead—TSU’s leading scorer and rebounder, as well as a second-team All-SWAC honoree—has been out.#texas_southern #alabama_a_m #otis_hughley_jr #johnny_jones #koron_davis
College Basketball Picks: Massive Dumpster Diving Edge Highlights Thursday’s Daytime NCAAB Bets With Champ Week underway, Thursday’s college basketball slate features a mix of ranked teams and critical bubble matchups, offering several betting opportunities. Our staff has identified the most valuable wagers for Thursday’s daytime games, including a standout edge in the SWAC tournament. The UMass vs. Miami (OH) matchup stands out as a key contest. These MAC rivals have met three times this season, with Miami (OH) winning the first two games by narrow margins. The RedHawks have dominated recent encounters, including a nine-point victory on the road. However, the Minutemen have shown resilience with strong offensive performances and a solid coaching staff led by Martin, who has experience in March Madness. Despite Miami’s recent success, the Minutemen’s ability to push the game could create value, making them a viable underdog play. In the SWAC quarterfinals, Alabama A&M faces Texas Southern. This game presents a unique opportunity for a dumpster diving edge. Action PRO projections suggest the total points could exceed the current line of 142.5, offering nearly a four-point advantage. Most sportsbooks have totals in the 144-145.5 range, but the discrepancy here creates a favorable betting scenario. The underdog edge in this matchup is significant, making it a strong pick for those seeking value. The Creighton vs. Seton Hall game also offers potential. Seton Hall’s defensive approach and tendency to slow the pace make the under a compelling option. Bet Labs Sports Insights indicates that both teams are unlikely to reach the current total of 135.5, aligning with historical trends in high-profile venues like Madison Square Garden.#swac_tournament #umass #miami_oh #alabama_am #texas_southern
