Preview: Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at Alabama A&M Bulldogs

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Alabama A&M women’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak when it hosts struggling Bethune-Cookman in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup Thursday at T.M. Elmore Gymnasium.

The Bulldogs (10-9, 6-1 SWAC) have won six consecutive games, most recently an 81-63 road victory over Texas Southern on Saturday. Guard Kaila Walker has been instrumental during the run, averaging 17.1 points over the last seven contests. She scored 19 points with five rebounds and three assists against Texas Southern.

Conversely, the Wildcats (3-17, 1-6) have lost six of their last seven, including a 52-46 home defeat to Jackson State on Saturday. Bethune-Cookman’s offense has consistently struggled, failing to reach 60 points in 13 of its 20 games this season.

The Wildcats will rely on guard Madison Holden, who is coming off a season-high 20-point performance in the loss to Jackson State. However, her production has been inconsistent during conference play.

Alabama A&M has dominated SWAC competition with a defense allowing just 50.7 points per game during its six-game streak. Beyond Walker, Coriah Beck (15 points, eight rebounds) and Rakiyah Beal (13 points) provided key contributions in the win over Texas Southern.

Bethune-Cookman’s last victory was a 57-56 win over Florida A&M on Jan. 3. Since then, the Wildcats have averaged only 53.1 points per game.

The Bulldogs won both meetings last season. Thursday’s game is the first of a home-and-home series between the teams, who will meet again in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Feb. 21.

Following this contest, Alabama A&M will host Florida A&M on Saturday. Bethune-Cookman travels to face Alabama State on Saturday.