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SWAC Championship: Southern won their second straight conference title, defeating Alabama State 73-56 on March 14, 2026, after taking a 41-19 halftime lead.

Road to the Title: The Jaguars advanced to the championship game by defeating No. 1 seed Alabama A&M 51-49 on a dramatic game-winning layup by sophomore guard Jocelyn Tate with 1.2 seconds left in the semifinals.

High-Level Competition: Southern prepared for conference play with a difficult non-conference schedule, which included significant road games against Power Five opponents, including notable upsets of Arizona (63-57) and Houston (70-62) in December 2025.

Key Performers:

Jocelyn Tate: Named 2026 SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament MVP.

DeMya Porter: Key forward, averaging 9.7 points per game.

Jaylia Reed: Impact transfer providing key 3-point shooting.

Anaja Hall: 6-5 transfer from Alabama State who added shot-blocking capability.

Team Identity: Under coach Carlos Funchess, the 2025-26 team was defined by balanced scoring, disciplined defense, and the ability to win close games, with a 6-2 record in high-stakes contests.