Alcorn State Braves vs Alabama State Hornets Picks and Predictions for Monday March 9 2026
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The Alcorn State Braves face the Alabama State Hornets in the SWAC Tournament – 1st Round on Monday March 9, 2026 at the Gateway Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. At the time of this writing the moneyline, total, and spread odds were not released. For more analysis and daily betting predictions, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for additional insights.
Braves Hoping to Surprise in the SWAC Tournament
The Alcorn State Braves enter the SWAC Tournament with an 8-22 overall record and finished conference play at 7-11 in the SWAC. Over their last five games the Braves have had mixed results, recently lost to Arkansas Pine Bluff 83-48, recently won over Mississippi Valley State 67-64, recently lost to Prairie View 72-51, recently lost to Texas Southern 92-87 in overtime, and recently won over Jackson State 83-65. Those results show a team that has struggled with consistency but has been competitive in certain matchups.
Statistically the Braves average 66.9 points per game while allowing 81.2 points per contest. They shoot 42 percent from the field while averaging 29.8 rebounds and 11.2 assists per game. Defensively they average 3.3 blocks and 7.8 steals per contest, which shows their ability to create defensive pressure at times.
A major issue for Alcorn State this season has been defense, as allowing over 81 points per game has made it difficult for them to keep games close. If the Braves hope to make a run in this tournament game they will need to improve defensive efficiency and slow the tempo to give themselves a better chance.
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Hornets Looking to Capitalize on Home Momentum
The Alabama State Hornets enter the tournament with a 10-21 overall record and a 7-11 record in SWAC play. In their last five games the Hornets recently lost to Grambling 65-63, recently lost to Southern 71-64, recently won over Alabama A&M 89-88, recently lost to Florida A&M 76-63, and recently lost to Bethune-Cookman 82-71.
Alabama State averages 73.4 points per game while allowing 77.3 points per contest. They shoot 42 percent from the field while averaging 36.1 rebounds and 12.3 assists per game. Defensively they contribute 3.7 blocks and 8.3 steals per game, which shows their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
One positive for the Hornets has been their rebounding advantage, averaging over six more rebounds per game than Alcorn State. That extra possession margin could play a key role in a tournament setting where second chance opportunities often decide close games.
Alcorn State vs Alabama State Pick
Alcorn State vs Alabama State Pick
- Pick: Alabama State Spread
Alabama State holds the advantage in rebounding and scoring production compared to Alcorn State. With the Braves allowing over 80 points per game and struggling defensively throughout the season, the Hornets should be able to generate enough offense to control the game. Alabama State’s ability to create extra possessions on the glass also gives them a strong edge.
Alcorn State vs Alabama State Total Pick
- Pick: Over
I like the over in this matchup because both teams have defensive issues that tend to lead to higher scoring games. Alcorn State allows over 81 points per game and Alabama State allows over 77 points per contest. With both teams capable of scoring in the 70s, I expect this game to push past the total.
Final Score Prediction: Alabama State 78, Alcorn State 70
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