Alabama State Favored Over Alcorn State in SWAC Tournament Matchup

Alcorn State looks to pull off the upset as a 6.5-point underdog against Alabama State in the first round of the SWAC Tournament.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The #10 Alabama State Hornets (10-21, 7-11 SWAC) are heavily favored over the #11 Alcorn State Braves (8-22, 7-11 SWAC) in the first round of the 2026 SWAC Tournament. Alabama State won the only regular-season meeting between the two teams, but Alcorn State has a stronger strength of schedule and is 1-0 on neutral courts this season compared to Alabama State's 1-2 record. The spread ranges from Alabama State -6.5 to -7.5, with the best price on Alcorn State +7.5 at Fanatics.

Why it matters

This matchup between two sub-.300 winning percentage teams in the SWAC Tournament highlights the competitive balance and unpredictability of conference tournament play. The underdog Alcorn State Braves have faced a tougher schedule and could provide value as a 6.5-point underdog, especially with heavy public betting on the favorite Alabama State Hornets and the over.

The details

Alabama State is a 6.5 to 7.5-point favorite over Alcorn State, with DraftKings offering the best price on the Hornets at -6.5 (-110) and Fanatics providing the best line for the Braves at +7.5 (-110). Prediction market Kalshi has the best moneyline options, with Alabama State at -270 and Alcorn State at +257. Kalshi also has the best over number at 140.5 (-122), while Fanatics has the best under at 142.5 (-110).

  • The game is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026 at 2:00 pm ET.
  • The regular-season meeting between the two teams was won by Alabama State, 81-66, at home.

The players

Alabama State Hornets

The #10 seed in the 2026 SWAC Tournament, with a 10-21 overall record and 7-11 conference record.

Alcorn State Braves

The #11 seed in the 2026 SWAC Tournament, with an 8-22 overall record and 7-11 conference record.

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What they’re saying

“In a game between two teams with a combined 17-43 record, laying points is inherently risky, especially when the underdog boasts a stronger strength of schedule.”

— Sascha Paruk, Sports Betting Dime Analyst (sportsbettingdime.com)

“Expect the Braves to leverage their tougher strength of schedule and keep this within two possessions.”

— Sascha Paruk, Sports Betting Dime Analyst (sportsbettingdime.com)

What’s next

The winner of this first-round matchup will advance to the next round of the 2026 SWAC Tournament.

The takeaway

This SWAC Tournament game between Alabama State and Alcorn State highlights the potential for upsets and competitive balance in conference tournament play, with the underdog Alcorn State Braves providing value as a 6.5-point underdog against the heavily favored Alabama State Hornets.