COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (AP) — CJ Hines scored 20 points and No. 5 seed Alabama State pulled away late to beat No. 2 seed Jackson State 60-56 on Saturday night in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament championship and clinched its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2011.

Jackson State enters the championship as the No. 2 seed, boasting a 15-17 overall record and a 14-4 mark in SWAC play. The Tigers have demonstrated resilience throughout the season, culminating in a dominant 71-50 victory over Bethune-Cookman in the semifinals.

Alabama State faced a tough challenge in the 2025 SWAC Tournament, but the Hornets defeated Jackson State and former ASU head coach Mo Williams with a score of 60-56 to become conference champions. Senior guard CJ Hines,