There is no greater feeling than victory. This week, one team from the SWAC will feel that as they lift the Davey L. Whitney Trophy into the air.
Last season, Texas Southern won the crown after upsetting No. 1 seed Prarie View A&M. This season, Alcorn State rolls in as the No. 1 seed after capturing the regular-season title. They will threaten Texas Southern’s chances for a tenth SWAC conference title.
Alcorn State had a phenomenal season. The Braves ended the season with 14 wins and four losses in conference play. The Braves are led by the 21st best scorer in the conference: Justin Thomas. Thomas averaged 10.5 PPG.
While they have no other players in the top 25 in scoring, the Braves pick up the slack in defense. Alcorn State has three players in the top 25 in rebounding and two players in the top 25 in steals. What is interesting about this team is their overall offense and defense stats. The Braves are sixth in offense and seventh in defense.
As for the reigning defenders, they will have their work cut out. Texas Southern has zero players in the top 25 for scoring. However, they have the second best defense in the conference allowing 66.6 PPG. One player you look out for is Brison Gresham. Gresham averages seven rebounds per game and 2.2 blocks per game. If they do not beat you on offense, they will be a hard team to score on defense.
A dark horse in the tournament is Southern. Southern has the best overall record in the SWAC, ending at 17-13. Southern also has the best offense in the conference averaging 72.4 PPG. For perspective, the next best team averages 69.8 PPG. Southern also has the fourth-best defense as well, allowing 68.2 PPG.
One player to watch on this team is Tyrone Lyons. Lyons averages 13.7 PPG and is the 10th best scorer in the conference.
This tournament will be hard to predict. I can think of scenarios for at least four teams to make a run for the title, but Southern has the best chance. Their offense has been outstanding, and their defense has been equitable. However, I would not rule out the possibility for a Texas Southern repeat.