Alabama A&M Women's Basketball Extends Dominant SWAC Winning Streak

In a hard-fought battle on the hardwood, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs women's basketball team extended their impressive SWAC winning streak to six games with an emphatic 81-63 victory over the Texas Southern Lady Tigers. This milestone win not only showcases the Bulldogs' dominant form, but also underscores the rising prominence of HBCU sports programs within the national landscape.

Led by the dynamic duo of Kalia Walker and Coriah Beck, the Bulldogs showcased their prowess on both ends of the court. Walker poured in a game-high 19 points, including a blistering 13 points in the second half, while Beck added 15 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge. Rakiyah Beal and Moses Davenport also made significant contributions, each scoring 13 points to round out the Bulldogs' balanced offensive attack.

Head coach Dawn Thornton praised her team's defensive efforts, which proved pivotal in securing the victory. "We definitely understood how important this game was for us," Thornton said. "What we did defensively really worked in our favor. That's something we've taken pride in all year."

The win also marked a significant milestone for Thornton, as it was her 125th career victory as a head coach.

While the Lady Tigers put up a valiant effort, led by Daeja Holmes, Ayanna Jackson, and Aaliyah Henderson, the Bulldogs' unwavering defense and fourth-quarter surge ultimately proved too much to overcome. The Bulldogs outscored the Lady Tigers 30-21 in the final period, showcasing their ability to close out games with dominance.

"Once she [Jaida Belton] got into a rhythm defensively, making stops and getting big rebounds, she sparked the whole team," Thornton said, highlighting the impact of the transfer from Texas Southern who played a crucial role in the Bulldogs' decisive run.

With this impressive victory, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs improve their overall record to 10-9 and maintain a strong 6-1 standing in the SWAC conference. The Texas Southern Lady Tigers, on the other hand, now stand at 8-12 and 4-4 in conference play.

HBCUConnect's Perspective: This thrilling matchup between Alabama A&M and Texas Southern not only showcases the exceptional talent and competitiveness within HBCU women's basketball, but also underscores the growing influence and recognition of these programs on the national stage. As the premier online community for HBCU alumni and supporters, HBCUConnect is proud to celebrate the Bulldogs' impressive winning streak and coach Thornton's milestone achievement, which serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication and resilience of HBCU student-athletes and coaches. This victory is a testament to the rich legacy and bright future of HBCU sports, inspiring the next generation of aspiring ballers and leaders within the HBCU community.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.