Preview: Texas Southern at Alcorn State in SWAC Men’s Basketball

LORMAN, Miss. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in Southwestern Athletic Conference play will meet Saturday when the Texas Southern Tigers visit the Alcorn State Braves.

The game is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2026, at the Davey Whitney Complex on the campus of Alcorn State University. Both programs enter with struggling overall records, as Texas Southern is 3-12 and Alcorn State is 2-13.

The matchup represents a critical opportunity for either squad to build on a recent conference victory. Texas Southern is coming off its most dominant performance of the season, an 84-51 rout of Mississippi Valley State on Monday. The Braves, meanwhile, snapped a lengthy skid with a 64-62 road win at Alabama A&M on Jan. 10 before falling at Alabama State on Monday.

A key player to watch for the visiting Tigers is Zytarious Mortle. The guard is coming off a season-high 22-point effort in just 30 minutes during the win over Mississippi Valley State. Mortle’s production has been variable, but his capability for explosive scoring provides a primary offensive threat for Texas Southern.

Alcorn State will counter with guard Shane Lancaster, who has been a consistent contributor. Lancaster is averaging 15.3 points over his last three games, including a 21-point outing in a narrow 89-86 loss at Jackson State on Jan. 3. His ability to generate offense will be vital for the Braves’ chances.

Historically, SWAC contests are defined by physical play and tight margins, a trend this game could follow given both teams’ urgent need for a conference win. The Tigers will aim to translate their recent blowout win into road success, while the Braves look to defend their home court and find consistency.

The outcome will provide early positioning in the SWAC standings as the conference schedule intensifies through January. Following this game, Texas Southern travels to face Jackson State on Monday, while Alcorn State hosts Prairie View the same evening.