Box Score

COLUMBIA, South Carolina- For the second straight season the Southern University women's basketball team proved they belong on the March Madness stage as the Jaguars powered past Samford University 65–53 in the NCAA First Four behind impressive performances from Jaylia Reed (16 points) and DeMya Porter (15 points).
 
The Jaguars were tested early in a tightly contested first half, carrying only a 27–24 lead into the break. Samford continued to push, and by the end of the third quarter the game was tied at 44. 
 
But championship poise showed in the final frame. Southern erupted for a 21-9 fourth quarter, turning a nail-biter into a statement win and punching through the First Four once again.
 
Turnovers proved costly for the Bulldogs, who committed 19 compared to the Jaguars' 10, resulting in 20 Southern points off turnovers. Samford also faced a significant disadvantage in the paint, with Southern outscoring the Bulldogs 34-12 inside. 
 
Southern moves on to the first round of the NCAA Tournament to face #1 South Carolina on Saturday at 1:00 pm EST. 

About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
 
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.

Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
 
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.