SWAC Leads HBCU Hoops Scoring Frenzy

As the HBCU basketball season heats up, one conference stands out for its high-octane scoring performances: the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

A Scoring Showdown Across HBCU Leagues

When examining conference games across the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, and SIAC in early 2026, a clear scoring divide emerges:

• SWAC: 74.4 team points per game, 148.8 average game total
• MEAC: 71.3 team points per game, 142.6 average game total
• CIAA: 70.9 team points per game, 141.9 average game total
• SIAC: 70.7 team points per game, 141.5 average game total

SWAC: Relentless Scoring Pressure

Leading the SWAC scoring frenzy is Daeshun Ruffin of Jackson State, who averaged an astounding 30.3 points per game in conference play - nearly 9 points clear of any other player across the four leagues. He's joined in the SWAC scoring elite by Dontae Horne (Prairie View A&M), Michael James (Mississippi Valley State), and others averaging over 20 points per contest.

"In the SWAC, seventy points doesn't win games - it just keeps you in the conversation.



Teams are asked to score again and again, and defensive lapses are punished quickly."

Differing Scoring Identities Across HBCU Hoops

While the SWAC leads in pure offensive output, the other HBCU conferences each have their own unique scoring identity:

• MEAC: Nearly half of conference games decided by 5 points or fewer, emphasizing execution and close finishes.
• CIAA: Fewest close games and highest blowout rate, with balanced scoring led by duos like Fayetteville State's Larry Howell and Ezekiel Cannedy.
• SIAC: Most evenly distributed scoring, avoiding both blowouts and dominant individual scorers - the conference of "parity with a soft scoring ceiling."

Why This Matters for the HBCU Community

The high-octane SWAC scoring environment is a point of pride for the HBCU community, showcasing the electrifying talent and exciting brand of basketball played at these institutions. As HBCU athletics continue to gain national attention, the SWAC's dynamic scoring leadership underscores the league's competitiveness and the must-see excitement it brings to HBCU basketball fans.

Moreover, the diverse scoring identities across HBCU conferences demonstrate the rich tapestry of HBCU hoops, where every league has its own flavor and culture. This nuanced understanding helps promote appreciation for the unique qualities of HBCU athletics and the passionate fanbases that support them.

Whether it's the SWAC's relentless scoring onslaught, the MEAC's high-pressure battles, the CIAA's balanced firepower, or the SIAC's parity-driven battles, the HBCU basketball landscape offers a thrilling viewing experience that showcases the best of Black college sports.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.