Lorman, Mississippi — Nakia Cheatham scored a game-high 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds Tuesday night to help Alcorn State secure the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament. The Braves defeated Mississippi Valley State 67-56 at the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
Alcorn improved to 17-11 overall and 14-3 in SWAC play, earning its 10th home win of the season. A loss by Southern (La.) to Alabama State secured the second seed for the Braves, according to school officials.
The Delta Devilettes, who fell to 6-22 overall and 5-12 in SWAC, led only briefly early in the first quarter. Despite multiple efforts to cut into the deficit, Mississippi Valley State could not regain the lead, which was only held briefly in the opening minutes.
Cheatham’s performance marked her 21st game of the season scoring in double figures. She also recorded her eighth double-double of the year. Kiarra Henderson added 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Braves, while Maya Hunkin-Claytor hit four three-pointers and finished with 12 points. Her four triples brought her within four of tying the school record for most threes in a season.
Alcorn opened strong with a 20-10 first-quarter lead and extended it to 39-25 by halftime, aided by a late three from Hunkin-Claytor. The Braves shot 48.3% in the first half, including 6 of 10 from beyond the arc. Mississippi Valley State outscored Alcorn 18-8 in the third quarter, narrowing the gap, but the Braves responded with a 20-13 final quarter to seal the victory, shooting 53.8% in the period.
The Braves excelled in transition, scoring 25 fast-break points compared to 13 for the Devilettes. They also held a 30-26 advantage in points in the paint and finished with a 44% field goal percentage overall. Mississippi Valley State’s Ariel Jefferson led the team with 12 points and 10 rebounds, her double-double. Alcorn forced 26 turnovers and converted them into 22 points.
Alcorn is scheduled to host Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m. at the Whitney Complex for Senior Night. The school encourages fans to follow its social media channels for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
