ATLANTA, GA -- Southern is headed back to the SWAC Championship Game behind a gritty defensive effort and balanced scoring. Southern held off Alabama A&M 51-49 Friday morning at Gateway Center Arena to advance to the championship game for the second straight season.
The Jaguars survived a back-and-forth second half and sealed the win late, using rebounding, second-chance opportunities, and timely stops to eliminate the Bulldogs. Southern trailed early after Alabama A&M took a 14-11 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Jaguars flipped the momentum in the second period. A 20-point quarter—highlighted by four three-pointers—gave Southern a 31-25 halftime advantage.
Alabama A&M answered after the break, outscoring Southern 13-8 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to just one entering the final period. The fourth quarter turned into a defensive battle. Southern managed just enough offense, including key interior baskets and offensive rebounds, while holding the Bulldogs to 4-of-12 shooting in the final frame. In the closing moments, Southern's defense held firm, preserving the two-point victory by Jocelyn Tate and sending the Jaguars back to the SWAC title game. Tate and DeMya Porter led the Jaguars with 10 points each. Jaylia Reed finished the day with nine points, along with Olivia Delancy chipping in eight points and six boards.
Keys to the Game
1. Second-Chance Dominance
Southern controlled the offensive glass, turning rebounds into extra points.
2. Bench Production
Southern's reserves provided a huge spark, doubling Alabama A&M's bench scoring.
3. Three-Point Burst Before Halftime
Southern's hot shooting in the second quarter—4-of-6 from three—swung momentum and created the halftime lead.
4. Defensive Execution Late
The Jaguars held the Bulldogs to 35.6% shooting overall, and just one made three-pointer in the game
By the Numbers
51 — Points scored by Southern in the semifinal win.
31–25 — Southern's halftime lead.
16 — Points scored by Southern off Alabama A&M turnovers.
23 — Points from the Southern bench.
14 — Second chance points scored by Southern.
Up Next:
Southern moves on to the SWAC Tournament Championship Game, looking to continue its postseason run and position itself for the SWAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Jaguars will take on the winner of the Alabama State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff game.
Tip-off: 11 a.m.
Location: Gateway Center Arena
TV: ESPNU
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