ATLANTA, GA – The No. 6 seed Alcorn State women's basketball team continues its Cinderella run in the SWAC Tournament, taking down No. 2 seed Texas Southern 65-55 in the semifinals on Friday morning at the Gateway Center Arena. With the victory, the Lady Braves (14-17, 10-8 SWAC) advance to the SWAC Championship, where they will face the winner of No. 4 Jackson State and No. 1 Southern on Saturday evening.
Destiny Brown delivered a commanding performance, stuffing the stat sheet with 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and six blocks to lead Alcorn's defensive stand. Nakia Cheathman also posted 13 points and matched Brown with nine rebounds, while
Kiarra Henderson and
Arene Iyekekpolor each added 10 points off the bench. Alcorn controlled the paint, scoring 40 points inside and limiting Texas Southern to just 29.9% shooting from the field.
After a close first quarter, the Lady Braves dominated the second, outscoring Texas Southern 21-8 to take an eight-point halftime lead. Texas Southern attempted to rally in the second half, but Alcorn's defense and clutch free throws in the fourth quarter secured the program's spot in the championship game.
GAME RECAP
First Quarter – Texas Southern 17, Alcorn 15
- Both teams traded baskets early, with neither side gaining much separation.
- Brown was active on both ends, scoring six points and blocking two shots.
- Texas Southern capitalized on second-chance points to take a slim two-point lead.
Second Quarter – Alcorn 36, Texas Southern 25
- The Lady Braves seized control with a dominant 21-8 quarter.
- Henderson and Iyekekpolor provided a major spark off the bench, combining for 12 points in the period.
- Alcorn's defense held Texas Southern to just 25% shooting, forcing six turnovers.
Third Quarter – Alcorn 55, Texas Southern 43
- Texas Southern made a push, cutting the deficit to seven at one point, but Alcorn answered each run.
- Cheathman knocked down key jumpers, helping the Lady Braves maintain a double-digit lead.
- Alcorn's defensive intensity continued, holding Texas Southern to just 1-for-4 from beyond the arc.
Fourth Quarter – Alcorn 65, Texas Southern 55
- The Lady Braves slowed the pace and controlled possession in the final period.
- Texas Southern closed the gap to single digits late, but Brown and Cheathman secured the win at the free-throw line.
- Alcorn finished the game shooting 49.1% from the field while limiting Texas Southern to just 10% from three-point range.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 13, 9 & 6 – Destiny Brown nearly recorded a triple-double with 13 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks.
- 13 & 9 – Nakia Cheathman matched Brown with 13 points and nine rebounds.
- 40 – Alcorn outscored Texas Southern 40-36 in the paint.
- 49.1% – The Lady Braves shot efficiently, connecting on 49.1% of their attempts from the field.
- 21 – Alcorn forced 21 points off turnovers, using their defense to fuel transition opportunities.
UP NEXT
The Lady Braves (14-17, 10-8 SWAC) advance to the SWAC Championship game on Saturday, March 15, at 5:30 p.m. CST at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, GA. Alcorn will face the winner of No. 4 Jackson State and No. 1 Southern for the conference title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Fans can follow the action live via
