SWAC Sunday: Power Rankings and games to watch

Editorial Note: It’s SWAC Sunday but, due solely to the fault of the Mid-Major Madness editorial team, on a Monday!

Conference play is now underway and the first weekend of SWAC play proved to be quite entertaining. Texas Southern handled business while Arkansas-Pine Bluff returned to its winning ways. Grambling State took a major loss to open up their SWAC schedule as well. Don’t let the records fool you, this conference should be competitive when it matters the most.

Here’s your SWAC Update for the week.

Weekly Rankings

1. Texas Southern (7-8, 1-0 SWAC)

2. UAPB (4-10, 1-0 SWAC)

3. Grambling State (6-8, 0-1 SWAC)

4. Alabama State (3-9, 1-0 SWAC)

5. Alcorn State (4-10, 0-1 SWAC)

6. Prairie View A&M (3-11, 1-0 SWAC)

7. Jackson State (4-10, 1-0 SWAC)

8. Mississippi Valley State (2-13, 0-1 SWAC)

9. Alabama A&M (1-14, 0-1 SWAC)

10. Southern (1-13, 0-1 SWAC)

What’s New?

Alabama State made a major statement in a blowout win over Grambling State, the defending SWAC regular season champs. AJ Farrar scored 18 in the win, grabbing 12 rebounds and two blocks in the process. Reginald Gee also gained a double-double with a 17-point, 10-rebound performance. The Hornets held Grambling State to less than 30 percent shooting in the second half, opening things up. And of course in the SWAC, some social media trash talk was most definitely in order.

As a potential favorite struggled, a nationally-known school handled their business. Texas Southern, a power school slayer beat Alcorn State by 17 points; 87 to 70. John Jones scored 17 points and Trayvon Reed posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Tigers (6-8).

Gary Blackston pushed Prairie View A&M past Southern. He led the team with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Chancellor Ellis added 13 points. while Jones and Patterson contributed with 11 points each.

Chris Howell’s 17 points proved to be a major difference as Jackson State defeated Alabama A&M in overtime. The 54-51 contest was rather close, especially in the second half.

Remember Martaveous McKnight? He scored all over Mississippi Valley State during a 64-52 win on Saturday, and is averaging 23.5 points so far this season.

Player of the Week: Reginald Gee - Alabama State

Gee’s 17 points were a big reason why Alabama State gained a major win over Grambling. He’s scored consistently all season and is part of a team that can really shake things up in the SWAC.

Games to Watch Out For

Monday, January 7th

Jackson State vs Alabama State

Texas Southern vs Southern

Grambling State vs Alabama A&M

Prairie View A&M vs Alcorn State

Saturday, January 12th

Southern vs Grambling State

Alabama A&M vs Mississippi Valley State

Alcorn State vs Jackson State

Texas Southern vs Prairie View A&M

Alabama State vs UAPB