Preview: Prairie View Panthers vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (Interstat) — A surging Prairie View Panthers squad will look to avenge a January loss when they face the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in a Southwestern Athletic Conference men’s basketball tournament semifinal on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Gateway Center Arena.

The Panthers (16-17), winners of five straight, are led by the conference’s hottest player in guard Dontae Horne. He is averaging 28.4 points over his last eight games, including a 30-point performance in a 71-67 road win over Bethune-Cookman on Wednesday. In that victory, Cory Wells added 22 points and Lance Williams had 12 points and six assists.

Their momentum contrasts with a regular-season meeting on Jan. 27, where Alabama A&M (18-14) dominated Prairie View 80-60.

The Bulldogs, however, enter with confidence after an 85-74 road win at Texas Southern on Thursday. Guard Koron Davis, who scored 23 points in a narrow loss to Southern last week, is a key offensive threat for A&M. He has topped 20 points in four of his last seven outings.

This matchup features contrasting styles. Prairie View’s offense runs through Horne’s prolific scoring, while Alabama A&M has shown balance, with four players averaging double figures in conference play.

The winner will advance to the SWAC tournament championship game on Saturday, with an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I tournament on the line. For Prairie View, it’s a chance to complete a dramatic turnaround and secure a winning record. For Alabama A&M, it’s an opportunity to build on a stronger season ledger and return to the title game.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT. The game will follow the other SWAC semifinal between Texas Southern and Grambling.