Preview: Alabama State Looks to Sweep Season Series at Bethune-Cookman DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Interstat) — The Alabama State Lady Hornets visit the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in a Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s basketball matchup on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at Moore Gymnasium. Alabama State (12-12, 8-3 SWAC) enters on a two-game winning streak and sits in the upper tier of the conference standings. The Lady Hornets won the first meeting this season decisively, 78-60, in Montgomery on Jan. 31. They are led by forward Charlese McClendon, who is coming off a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in a 79-71 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Feb. 14. In the last five games, McClendon has averaged 8.4 points and 7.0 rebounds. Bethune-Cookman (6-20, 4-7) looks to halt a two-game skid and improve its positioning ahead of the conference tournament. The Wildcats have shown flashes, including a three-game winning streak from Feb. 5-12, but have struggled for consistency. Guard Madison Holden provides a primary scoring threat, averaging 12.3 points over her last six contests. She scored 17 points in a loss to Alcorn State on Feb. 14 and had 10 points in the earlier loss to Alabama State. The Wildcats will need a stronger defensive effort after allowing the Lady Hornets to shoot 46% from the field in the January meeting. Alabama State’s balance was on display in that game, with four players scoring in double figures while holding Bethune-Cookman to 32% shooting. For Alabama State, maintaining momentum on the road is key as they pursue a top seed for the SWAC tournament. For Bethune-Cookman, protecting home court is crucial to climb out of the lower half of the standings. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. EST. Alabama State’s next game is at Alabama A&M on Feb. 28. Bethune-Cookman hosts Alabama A&M on Feb. 21.