- Alabama State overcomes 44-36 rebounding deficit with clutch shooting and defense
- CJ Hines dominates with 20 points, including 4 three-pointers
- Hornets force 14 turnovers while committing only six
- First NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011 caps 19-win season
In a heart-stopping SWAC Tournament championship clash at College Park’s Gateway Center, Alabama State (19-15) rewrote its program narrative with a 60-56 victory over Jackson State. The Hornets’ triumph marks their first conference title in 13 years, punctuated by a decisive 9-4 run in the final 1:48. CJ Hines’ sharpshooting proved instrumental, as the guard sank 53% of his field goals while delivering critical baskets down the stretch.
Regional Impact: Georgia’s growing reputation as a neutral-site basketball hub gained momentum with this sold-out SWAC finale. College Park has now hosted three consecutive conference championships, drawing over 25,000 combined attendees since 2022. Local businesses reported a 19% revenue boost during the tournament weekend, per Atlanta Chamber of Commerce data.
Coaching Strategy Insight: Head coach Tony Madlock prioritized perimeter defense, limiting Jackson State to 28% three-point shooting. This tactical focus neutralized the Tigers’ size advantage, as Alabama State converted 14 turnovers into 18 transition points. Madlock’s decision to deploy a three-guard lineup in the final minutes created mismatches that sealed the victory.
Historical Context: The win continues a SWAC trend of lower-seeded teams finding postseason success – five of the last eight champions entered the tournament ranked fourth or lower. Alabama State’s triumph as a #5 seed mirrors Texas Southern’s 2021 championship run from the same position.
Statistical Reimagining: While Jackson State dominated the boards 44-36, Alabama State’s efficiency shone through. The Hornets required 15 fewer field goal attempts to score 60 points, bolstered by a 38% three-point conversion rate (8-of-21) compared to the Tigers’ 28% (4-of-14).
Player Development Angle: Junior forward TJ Madlock’s all-around performance (7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals) underscores the SWAC’s emphasis on versatile defenders. NBA scouts in attendance noted a 22% year-over-year increase in conference players invited to pre-draft combines.