Mississippi Valley State Women Win Second Consecutive SWAC Tournament Opener

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The Mississippi Valley State University women’s basketball team secured its second consecutive SWAC Tournament victory Thursday, defeating Prairie View A&M 63-49 in the first round. It marked the first time since 2012 that the Devilettes won back-to-back tournament openers.

The Devilettes dominated on the glass, out-rebounding Prairie View A&M 59-36 for a +23 edge. Mississippi Valley finished the game with a season-high 16 rebounds from Nairobi Lewis, who also scored eight points and blocked three shots. Janiya Jones contributed a season-best five baskets, including four three-pointers, en route to 14 points and six rebounds.

Ja’la Douglas added six rebounds and three steals, both career highs. Jaeda Murphy led the team with five assists and scored 13 points. Sydnei Marshall reached double figures with 12 points, helping Mississippi Valley improve to an 8-22 record overall and 6-12 in the SWAC. Prairie View A&M fell to 2-28 overall and 0-18 in conference play.

The Devilettes will advance to face seventh seed Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Central time in the tournament’s second round. The game will be held at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.

Follow Mississippi Valley State women’s basketball on Twitter (@MvsuWBB) and Instagram (@ValleyStateWBB). The program also shares updates on Facebook (Valley State Athletics), Twitter/X (@MVSUDevilSports), and Instagram (@ValleyStateAthletics).

Source: Original Article