Bethune-Cookman Remains in Control As SWAC Standings Heat Up

Wildcats extend lead atop conference with win over Alabama A&M

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Bethune-Cookman remains atop the SWAC standings after Saturday's men's basketball slate, while Southern, Alabama A&M and Arkansas-Pine Bluff trail. The Wildcats under head coach Reggie Theus continued to rule the SWAC, as teams jockey for tournament positioning with a few games remaining in the regular season.

Why it matters

The SWAC standings are tightening up as the regular season winds down, with several teams vying for the top seeds and positioning for the conference tournament. Bethune-Cookman's continued dominance at the top has implications for the rest of the league.

The details

Bethune-Cookman strengthened its grip on first place with an 85-76 victory over Alabama A&M. The Wildcats improved to 12-3 in SWAC play and 15-13 overall, extending their winning streak to two games. Southern defended its home court, defeating Grambling State 87-73 to move to 9-5 in SWAC play and 13-14 overall. Arkansas-Pine Bluff edged Prairie View A&M 84-82, positioning themselves firmly in the upper half of the standings at 9-6 in conference play and 12-16 overall.

  • Saturday's SWAC men's basketball was full of drama as teams continue to jockey for tournament positioning with a few games remaining in the regular season.
  • Bethune-Cookman strengthened its grip on first place with an 85-76 victory over Alabama A&M on February 22, 2026.

The players

Reggie Theus

Head coach of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

The men's basketball team from Bethune-Cookman University, currently leading the SWAC standings with a 12-3 conference record.

Alabama A&M Bulldogs

The men's basketball team from Alabama A&M University, currently in the top tier of the SWAC standings at 9-6 in conference play.

Southern Jaguars

The men's basketball team from Southern University, defending their home court with an 87-73 win over Grambling State to move to 9-5 in SWAC play.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions

The men's basketball team from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, edging Prairie View A&M 84-82 to position themselves firmly in the upper half of the SWAC standings at 9-6 in conference play.

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What’s next

Bethune-Cookman has games against Grambling State, Southern, and Florida A&M remaining, which could be tight contests but the Wildcats are expected to maintain their lead atop the SWAC standings and enter the conference tournament as the top seed.

The takeaway

The SWAC men's basketball race is heating up as teams jockey for positioning in the standings ahead of the conference tournament. Bethune-Cookman has established itself as the team to beat, but several other squads are making their case to earn high seeds and favorable tournament matchups.