MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The Alabama State University women's basketball team saw its postseason run come to an end Saturday afternoon as Southern University captured the Pepsi SWAC Women's Basketball Championship with a 73-56 victory at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Ga.

Alabama State was making its first appearance in the conference title game since the 2021–22 season and was seeking its first SWAC tournament championship since 2015–16.

Southern set the tone early, building a first-half advantage that proved too much for the Hornets to overcome.

First Half

Southern jumped out quickly in the opening quarter and limited Alabama State offensively, holding the Hornets to eight points while building a 17-8 lead after the first period. The Jaguars continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, using an efficient offensive stretch and transition scoring to extend their lead.

A three-pointer by Olivia Delancy just before the halftime buzzer helped Southern push its lead to 41-19 at the break.

Hornets Rally in Third Quarter

Alabama State showed resilience coming out of halftime, putting together its best offensive quarter of the game. The Hornets scored 23 points in the third period and trimmed the deficit to 58-42 heading into the final quarter.

A three-pointer by Caylee Simpson late in the quarter highlighted the run and kept Alabama State within striking distance.

Southern Pulls Away

Southern responded in the fourth quarter to halt the momentum, rebuilding its lead behind efficient shooting and fast-break opportunities. The Jaguars shot nearly 49 percent from the field for the game and finished with 21 fast-break points to secure the championship.

Alabama State Leaders

Caylee Simpson led the Hornets offensively with 19 points, while also contributing rebounds and assists. Shamya Reid added 10 points, including a fourth-quarter layup in the closing seconds.

Clearia Peterson chipped in five points and several rebounds, while Ny'Keria Flowers and Alanah Pooler contributed across the stat sheet for the Hornets.

Southern Leaders

Southern placed multiple players in double figures, led by Mykayla Cunningham with 19 points. Zaria Hurston added 12 points, while Olivia Delancy and Jocelyn Tate each provided key scoring contributions as the Jaguars shot 49 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range.

By the Numbers

• Score: Southern 73, Alabama State 56

• FG Shooting: Southern 24-of-49 (49%), Alabama State 17-of-60 (28%)

• Fast Break Points: Southern 21, Alabama State 5

• Points in the Paint: Southern 32, Alabama State 24
  
  All-Tournament Team
  Kaila Walker, Alabama A&M
  Khaniah Gardner, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 
  Caylee Simpson, Alabama State 
  Olivia Delancy, Southern 
  Jocelyn Tate, Southern (MVP)

Despite the loss, Alabama State concluded a strong season run that included victories over Grambling State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff to reach the championship game. The Hornets finished the season with a 17-15 overall record.