Preview: Columbia State Hosts Southwest Tennessee in TCCAA Tournament Opener

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (Interstat) — The top-seeded Columbia State Chargers will look to continue their dominant season when they host the Southwest Tennessee Salukis in a TCCAA/Region VII/Appalachian District Tournament men’s junior college basketball quarterfinal on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The matchup at Columbia State is a stark contrast in seasons. The Chargers (16-4) enter as heavy favorites, having won 12 of their last 14 games. The Salukis (3-16) snapped a five-game skid with a narrow 70-67 road win over Roane State on Saturday, securing the final tournament berth.

Columbia State swept the regular-season series, winning 91-70 at home on Jan. 14 and 52-45 at Southwest Tennessee on Feb. 25. The Chargers have relied on balanced scoring and defense, holding opponents under 60 points in nine games.

A key player for Columbia State is forward Tyren Fisher, who is coming off a strong all-around performance in Saturday’s 74-59 win over Dyersburg State, contributing 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists in just 22 minutes.

Southwest Tennessee will lean on forward Kody Hickerson, who scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the play-in victory at Roane State. His consistent interior presence will be critical against a deep Chargers frontcourt.

The Salukis have shown recent fight, with three of their last five losses decided by four points or fewer, including an overtime defeat. However, overcoming a Chargers team that has beaten them by an average of 22 points this season presents a formidable challenge.

The winner will advance to the tournament semifinals on Wednesday, March 11. Columbia State seeks to continue its pursuit of a region title, while Southwest Tennessee aims for a stunning upset to extend its season.