Southern University Shocks Samford, Marches into NCAA First Round

Southern University Shocks Samford, Marches into NCAA First Round

The Southern University Lady Jaguars are dancing into the NCAA Tournament’s first round after a commanding 65-53 victory over Samford in the First Four. In a game defined by relentless defense and a stunning late-game surge, Southern proved once again that they are a force to be reckoned with on the national stage, securing a date with top-seeded South Carolina.

→ Why Senior Manager Digital Media Jobs are Dominating 2026

Our analysis shows this win is more than just a single victory; it’s a statement. For the second consecutive year, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champions have won their opening game in the NCAA tournament, solidifying their reputation and shifting the narrative around HBCU women’s basketball. This team’s performance is a beacon of the growing excellence and competitive fire at Southern University.

• Dominant Finish: Southern exploded with a 14-2 run to close out the game after the score was tied 51-51, showcasing their composure under pressure.
• Defensive Powerhouse: The Jaguars’ defense was the key to victory, forcing 19 turnovers and scoring 20 points off those mistakes.
• What’s Next: The Lady Jaguars now face their biggest challenge yet: a first-round matchup against the undefeated national powerhouse, the South Carolina Gamecocks.

From the opening tip-off in Columbia, South Carolina, the contest was a gritty, back-and-forth battle. Both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm early, shooting just 31% from the floor in a first half that ended with Southern clinging to a narrow 27-24 lead. The game was a testament to defensive intensity, with neither side giving an inch.

For more discussion, see this discussion on Reddit.

Our team observed that the turning point came late in the fourth quarter. With the game knotted at 51, Southern’s championship DNA kicked in. The Jaguars’ offense, which had been grinding all night, suddenly found a new gear, while their defense clamped down, suffocating Samford’s hopes of a comeback. This decisive 14-2 run left no doubt about who was advancing.

The victory was a full team effort, powered by key performances:
* Jaylia Reed led the offensive charge with 16 points, hitting crucial shots from beyond the arc.
* DeMya Porter was a force in the paint, recording a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
* D’Shantae Edwards filled the stat sheet with eight points and an incredible five steals, consistently disrupting Samford‘s plays.

While the Lady Jaguars’ success is making headlines today, it’s part of a broader trend of achievement at the Baton Rouge institution. Industry insiders are noting a wave of positive momentum across the university’s academic and athletic programs. Just this week, for the second consecutive year, Southern University’s School of Nursing was named the best in the United States by Nurse.org, a monumental achievement celebrating its 40th year. According to a report from WAFB, the program is not only producing top-tier graduates but also actively working to fill healthcare gaps across Louisiana.

This culture of success is palpable. From the gridiron, where the university recently welcomed NFL legend Marshall Faulk as its new head football coach, to the classroom, Southern is demonstrating a commitment to excellence. The women’s basketball team’s tournament run is the latest and most visible example of this rising tide. The Southwestern Athletic Conference celebrated the win on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighting the team’s back-to-back First Four victories.

We’ll make this a regular thing! For the second-straight year the SWAC has advanced in the First Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament! Congratulations @SouthernUsports!#SWACWBB | #BuildingChampionsForLife pic.twitter.com/3Yx1e1nN4R

— Southwestern Athletic Conference (@theswac) March 20, 2026

The Jaguars’ reward for their hard-fought victory is a showdown with the No. 1 overall seed, South Carolina. Led by legendary coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks are undefeated and considered the favorites to win the national championship. It is, without question, the toughest matchup any team could face.

However, our analysis suggests that Southern should not be underestimated. This is a team that thrives on defensive pressure and has proven its ability to perform in high-stakes moments. Head Coach Carlos Funchess has built a resilient and battle-tested squad. As noted by HBCU Gameday, this game is another opportunity for Southern to “make history” and continue shifting the national perception of HBCU basketball. While the challenge is immense, the Lady Jaguars have already proven they belong on this stage. They will enter the game as underdogs, but with the heart and fight of champions.

Relevant posts

• Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball vs Miami Hurricanes Women’s Basketball Timeline
• The Real Reason Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians Timeline Is Trending Right Now
• Shattered Prestige: Why the Pentagon Just Ditched the Ivy League Schools

Visit atholtonnews.com for more stories.