STILLWATER, Okla. — The defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Southern University women's basketball team will begin its 2026-27 campaign on the road Monday, Nov. 2, when the Jaguars take on Oklahoma State at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Southern enters the new season looking to build on its championship success while establishing momentum as the Jaguars begin their quest to defend their SWAC crown.
The Jaguars will feature a new-look roster this season, welcoming seven new faces to the program following last year's championship campaign. Despite the roster changes, Southern returns two familiar faces in Diamond Hunter and Taniya Lawson, who will look to provide experience, leadership, and continuity as the Jaguars begin their title defense.
Southern also enters the season with two players receiving preseason recognition from the conference. Jocelyn Tate was named the SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, while DeMya Porter earned a spot on the All-SWAC preseason first team. The honors highlight the talent on a Jaguars roster looking to maintain its championship standard heading into the 2026-27 season.
With seven newcomers joining the program, developing team chemistry and establishing consistency will be important for Southern early in its non-conference schedule. The return of Hunter and Lawson, along with the preseason recognition of Tate and Porter, gives the Jaguars a foundation as they work to integrate their new additions into the program.
The season opener presents an immediate challenge for Southern, which will face a Big 12 Conference opponent in one of college basketball's well-known venues. The matchup gives the Jaguars an early chance to test themselves against high-level competition before turning their attention to the rest of their non-conference schedule.
For Southern, the trip to Stillwater marks the beginning of a new chapter as the Jaguars look to carry their championship mentality into another season. Establishing a defensive presence, controlling the glass, and limiting turnovers will be important factors against an Oklahoma State squad playing on its home floor.
Oklahoma State will look to take advantage of its home-court environment, while Southern aims to bring the intensity and discipline that helped establish the Jaguars as SWAC champions.
Monday's contest will also give Southern a chance to evaluate its early-season chemistry and execution against a Power Four opponent. With a combination of returning experience, new talent, and preseason conference honorees, the Jaguars will look to establish their identity and set the tone for the season ahead.
With a championship to defend and expectations surrounding the program, Southern will look to make an early statement when the Jaguars step onto the court in Stillwater.
GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: Southern University Jaguars at Oklahoma State Cowgirls
Date: Monday, Nov. 2, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. CT
Location: Gallagher-Iba Arena
City: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Conference: Southern (SWAC) | Oklahoma State (Big 12)
JAGUARS TO WATCH
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