SWAC Basketball: Grambling wins regular season trophy , others prepare for SWAC Tournament….

The college basketball season has had its ups and downs. For those teams looking for a second chance at post season, it starts now as many conference tournaments are under way. On Tuesday, the SWAC Tournament begins as eight teams vie for the conference ticket to the big dance. Grambling State on the other hand wrapped up the regular season championship trophy will not be able to participate in the tournament due to APR issues. The G-MEN consolation will be another championship trophy added next to the football championship trophy in the trophy case. Alabama A&M didn’t qualify for the tournament as well. 

 

Two of the hottest teams entering the tournament are both of the Texas schools, Texas Southern and PVAMU. The Tigers are the defending champions and have been playing great ball when all their pieces are in place. Coach Mike Davis has stabilize the team after on goings suspensions almost derailed the Tigers season. TSU coming off a sweep of Southern and Alcorn State looks like the team to beat in Houston. PVAMU , under Coach Byron Smith has shown glimpses of dominance as the Panthers have been on a tear as of late also completing a sweep of Alcorn State and Southern. Both teams are hosting first round games and could meet up again in the Semis on Friday night in Houston.

UAPB snagged the first seed in the tournament after whipping Mississippi Valley in the season finale at home. The Lions must tame the Devils again on Tuesday as the match up in a first round tilt. Beating a team 3 times can be a tough task if the Lions want to advance on to Houston. 

The match up of the tournament could be in Baton Rouge as Southern , who has struggled as of late host also another team that has struggled, Jackson State. Both teams split the regular season meeting with the visiting team winning.  Jackson State poses a serious problem for the Jaguars as the Tigers are physical and they do board. However, the Jaguars lead the conference in rebounding and Jared Sam has played lights out. The winner will advance to Houston hoping for a miracle.