Struggling SWAC Teams Seek First Conference Win as Alabama State Visits Mississippi Valley State

AVALON, Miss. (Interstat) — Two teams searching for momentum will open their SWAC schedules when Alabama State visits Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.

The matchup at LeFlore County Civic Center features programs with a combined 4-22 record this season. Alabama State (3-9) enters on a four-game skid, while Mississippi Valley State (1-13) has lost 10 straight, largely against a daunting non-conference slate.

The Hornets are led by guard Tyler Byrd, who averaged 10.5 points over his last four games. He scored 15 points in a Dec. 7 loss to Tennessee-Martin. In Alabama State’s most recent outing, a 67-88 loss at Memphis on Dec. 22, Asjon Anderson led the team with 16 points.

The Delta Devils’ bright spot has been guard Michael James, who has been a high-volume scorer despite the losses. He is averaging 21.6 points per game over his last five contests, including a 27-point performance against Tarleton State on Dec. 16 and 24 points at Oklahoma on Dec. 29.

Mississippi Valley State’s lone win came against a non-Division I opponent. Their schedule has been among the nation’s toughest, featuring road losses at power conference programs like Kansas State, Florida State, West Virginia and Oklahoma, all by wide margins.

Alabama State’s three wins include a 101-80 victory over IUPUI and a notable 77-74 road win at UAB on Nov. 11. However, they have also endured several double-digit defeats.

Saturday’s contest represents a fresh start for both teams as SWAC play begins. The winner will gain an early conference victory and a respite from their respective losing streaks, while the loser will be left to continue searching for answers.