Struggling SWAC Teams Seek Momentum as Texas Southern Hosts Arkansas-Pine Bluff

HOUSTON (Interstat) — Two men’s basketball teams looking to reverse difficult starts to the season will meet Saturday when the Texas Southern Tigers host the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup.

The game is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2026, at the Health & P.E. Arena.

Both programs enter with losing records in non-conference play. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-10) has shown recent life, winning its first two SWAC contests last week. Texas Southern (2-11) seeks its first conference victory after opening with two road losses.

The Golden Lions are fueled by guard Quion Williams, who is coming off a stellar stretch. In Monday’s 90-79 win over Alabama State, Williams scored 17 points and dished eight assists. He averaged 22.8 points and 9.5 assists over his last four games, including a 29-point, 18-assist performance in mid-December.

Texas Southern will counter with guard Zaire Hayes, who scored a season-high 25 points in Monday’s 84-67 loss at Grambling. Hayes has been a bright spot, averaging 12.0 points per game.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s recent success has been an offensive explosion, averaging 108.3 points over its last three wins, though those came against SWAC and non-Division I opponents. Prior to that, the Golden Lions endured a tough road slate, including losses at Vanderbilt, SMU and Miami (Ohio).

Texas Southern’s season has been defined by a challenging road stretch and defensive struggles. The Tigers have allowed 80 or more points in eight of their 11 losses, including defeats at Minnesota, North Carolina State and Vanderbilt.

Historically, Texas Southern has been a power within the SWAC, but this season’s start has been a struggle. Arkansas-Pine Bluff will aim to continue its early conference momentum on the road.

The Tigers hope home cooking provides a remedy as they search for a winning formula in front of their Houston fans.