SWAC Tourney Preview

At Fair Park Arena (Birmingham, Ala.)
QUARTERFINALS
Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 2 Jackson State vs. No. 7 Texas Southern, 3:30 p.m.
Game 2: No. 1 Alabama State vs. No. 8 Alabama A&M, 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 12
Game 3: No. 3 Prairie View vs. No. 6 Mississippi Valley State, 3:30 p.m.
Game 4: No. 4 Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. No. 5 Southern, 9 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 13
Game 5: Game 1 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 3:30 p.m.
Game 6: Game 2 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 9 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 14
Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, ESPNU, 9 p.m.


Team to watch: Alabama State. The Hornets won the conference regular season and look to wrap up the tourney title as well. They did have some close non-conference losses and could provide a scare to a number one seed if they come in overconfident.

Player to watch: Troy Jackson. The guard from Alcorn State led the league in points and steals per game. Jackson averaged 20 points and over two steals per game.

Upset watch: Jackson State. If anyone is going to knock off Alabama State, it will probably be the Tigers. The two teams split during the year and a championship game would bring some good drama to end the SWAC season.

Tourney watch: Whoever wins the conference championship will be in tournament and most likely will be a play-in game participant. I think Alabama State will have the upper hand and would win the play-in game before bowing out to a number one seed.