Preview: Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils

AVALON, Miss. (Interstat) — Two SWAC men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats visit the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at LeFlore County Civic Center.

Bethune-Cookman (5-11 overall) enters having split its first two conference games, most recently falling 77-73 to Southern on Monday. The Wildcats are led by guard Jakobi Heady, who scored 21 points in that loss and is averaging 15.8 points over his last five contests. Heady’s consistent scoring, including an 18-point, six-rebound performance in a Jan. 3 win over Florida A&M, will be central to the Wildcats’ attack. Quentin Heady added 17 points off the bench against Southern.

Mississippi Valley State (1-17) is mired in a 10-game losing streak and is still searching for its first SWAC victory. The Delta Devils are coming off an 84-51 road loss to Texas Southern on Monday. Guard Mussa Mzein logged a season-high 38 minutes in that game, finishing with 12 points, while Patrick Punch led the team with 18 points. Valley’s struggles have been pronounced, with its lone win coming on Nov. 16, and it has faced a gauntlet of power-conference opponents in non-conference play.

The matchup presents a critical opportunity for both squads. Bethune-Cookman aims to solidify a .500 start in league play before a quick turnaround at Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday. For the Delta Devils, the home contest begins a pivotal stretch to find footing in the conference standings, with Florida A&M visiting Monday.

Historically, the Wildcats have shown more offensive capability, averaging 68.1 points per game compared to the Delta Devils’ 58.9. Containing Jakobi Heady and generating offense beyond Punch will be key challenges for Valley.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Avalon.