Published: March 16, 2025
College Park, Georgia – In a thrilling conclusion to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Alabama State Hornets secured a 60-56 victory over the Jackson State Tigers on March 15, 2025, at the Gateway Center Arena. This triumph marks Alabama State’s first SWAC championship since the 2010-11 season and earns them an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.
Game Highlights
The championship game was a closely contested battle from the outset. Jackson State held a narrow 26-25 lead at halftime, but Alabama State rallied in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 35-30 to clinch the win.
Key Performances
- Alabama State Hornets:
- CJ Hines: The junior guard delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Hines also contributed significantly on defense, showcasing his two-way prowess.
- Jackson State Tigers:
- Shannon Grant: The senior center matched Hines’ scoring output with 20 points, shooting an efficient 8-of-12 from the field. Grant’s dominance in the paint was evident, but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory for the Tigers.
Team Statistics
- Shooting Efficiency:
- Alabama State shot 33.8% from the field, including 31.0% from three-point range.
- Jackson State posted a slightly better field goal percentage at 37.0%, with a 29.4% success rate from beyond the arc.
- Rebounding and Turnovers:
- Jackson State dominated the boards, outrebounding Alabama State 44-36.
- However, the Tigers were plagued by turnovers, committing 14 compared to the Hornets’ six.
Path to the Championship
Alabama State entered the tournament as the fifth seed and faced a challenging path to the title:
- Quarterfinals: Defeated fourth-seeded Texas Southern 84-79.
- Semifinals: Edged out eighth-seeded Grambling State with a 64-62 victory.
- Championship: Overcame second-seeded Jackson State 60-56.
Jackson State, the tournament’s second seed, advanced to the final after a commanding 71-50 semifinal win over third-seeded Bethune-Cookman.
Coaches’ Remarks
- Tony Madlock, head coach of Alabama State, expressed immense pride in his team’s resilience and determination throughout the tournament. He highlighted their ability to execute under pressure as a key factor in their championship run.
- Mo Williams, leading Jackson State, acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but commended his players for their effort and dedication. He emphasized the importance of learning from this experience to build a stronger program in the future
Looking Ahead
With the SWAC championship secured, Alabama State now turns its attention to the NCAA Tournament. This appearance marks their first in 14 years, a testament to the program’s growth and perseverance. The Hornets will await their seeding and opponent announcement during the NCAA Selection Show.
Jackson State concludes its season with a 16-18 record, reflecting on a campaign filled with both challenges and highlights. The Tigers aim to leverage this experience as a foundation for future success in the SWAC.
