Preview: Alcorn State Lady Braves at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Interstat) — Two Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Thursday when the Alcorn State Lady Braves visit the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at Moore Gymnasium.

Alcorn State (6-9 overall) enters with a two-game winning streak following a 66-51 home victory over Texas Southern on Saturday. The Lady Braves have found success in SWAC play, winning four of their last five conference games after a difficult non-conference slate.

A key figure in that resurgence has been guard Ja’Sharreah Hunt. She scored a team-high 14 points in 22 minutes against Texas Southern and is averaging 9.2 points over her last five contests, providing a consistent backcourt presence.

Bethune-Cookman (3-15) looks to halt a four-game skid, most recently a 64-55 loss at Mississippi Valley State. The Wildcats have struggled to find consistent offense, but forward Tyler Butler has been a bright spot. She logged 32 minutes and scored 11 points in each of her last two road games, adding defensive presence with multiple blocks.

While Alcorn State has shown recent form, its road performance remains a question; the Lady Braves are 1-8 away from home this season. Bethune-Cookman will aim to capitalize on hosting a conference opponent, though it has lost five straight at Moore Gymnasium since a one-point win over Florida A&M on Jan. 3.

The matchup pits Alcorn State’s recent defensive strength — holding its last two opponents under 52 points — against a Bethune-Cookman team that has been held to 61 points or fewer in nine consecutive games.

Thursday’s contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools. They are scheduled to play again in Lorman, Mississippi, on Feb. 14.

Following this game, Alcorn State travels to face Florida A&M on Saturday. Bethune-Cookman remains at home to host Jackson State the same day.