Albany State Women's Basketball Stuns SIAC Powers, Advances to SIAC Tournament Semifinals

Albany, GA - In a stunning display of grit and determination, the Albany State Golden Rams women's basketball team took down the top-seeded Edward Waters Tigers in the quarterfinal round of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament, winning by a decisive score of 80-49.

Entering the postseason as the fifth seed in the SIAC East division, the Golden Rams were facing long odds against an Edward Waters squad that had dominated the conference with a 23-4 overall record and a 14-game win streak. But on this night, Albany State proved that they were more than ready to challenge the SIAC's elite.

Led by a monster performance from junior forward Na'Haviya Paxton, who scored a season-high 28 points on 63% shooting and added 11 rebounds and 5 steals, the Golden Rams controlled the game from start to finish.

The real story, however, was Albany State's stifling defense, which held the high-powered Edward Waters offense to a dismal 20% shooting from the field - their worst performance of the season. The Golden Rams, on the other hand, shot an impressive 48% from the floor, their highest percentage against a conference opponent all year.

"Our team has been through a lot this season, but we never lost faith in ourselves or our abilities," said Albany State head coach Chanda Stebbins. "This win is a testament to the hard work and determination of our players, and I couldn't be prouder of their effort tonight."

With the victory, Albany State advances to the semifinal round of the SIAC Tournament, marking their deepest run in the postseason since 2022. They will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Lane College and Benedict College, as they seek their first SIAC championship game appearance since 2017.

HBCUConnect Perspective: This inspiring upset by the Albany State Golden Rams is a shining example of the resilience and competitive spirit that defines HBCU athletics. Overcoming the odds and toppling a conference powerhouse, Albany State has proven that HBCU basketball programs can never be counted out, no matter the circumstances. This victory will undoubtedly galvanize the Albany State community and serve as a reminder to all HBCU fans that their teams are more than capable of achieving greatness on the court.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.