Preview: Alabama State at Grambling

GRAMBLING, La. (Interstat) — A pair of SWAC men’s basketball teams looking to build momentum will meet Saturday when the Grambling Tigers host the Alabama State Hornets at Fredrick Hobdy Assembly Center.

Grambling (10-11 overall) enters the contest seeking consistency after a narrow 67-64 home loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Wednesday snapped a two-game win streak. The Tigers had previously secured convincing road victories at Alcorn State (74-50) and Jackson State (69-66).

A key to Grambling’s hopes will be the play of guard Antonio Munoz. He is coming off a 26-point performance in the loss to UAPB and has averaged 17 points over his last three games, providing a critical scoring punch.

Alabama State (7-14) arrives with some confidence after a 79-66 home win over Florida A&M on Monday. The Hornets’ offense has shown flashes, putting up 95 points in a win at Prairie View A&M on Jan. 24, but has also been held under 70 points in three of their last six outings.

The Hornets will lean on guard Tyler Byrd, who has been a standout in recent weeks. Byrd is averaging 18.3 points over his last three games, including a 29-point, 8-rebound effort in a loss at Texas Southern on Jan. 27. In the win over Florida A&M, he contributed 17 points and four assists.

This matchup begins a critical stretch for both teams as they navigate the second half of the SWAC schedule. Grambling holds a slight edge in the standings and will look to protect its home court, where it is 6-3 this season. Alabama State, just 3-9 on the road, aims to carry the momentum from its latest victory into a hostile environment.

The Tigers won the first meeting between these programs last season, 65-57, in Montgomery, Alabama. They are scheduled for a rematch at Alabama State on March 5.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Grambling.