BATON ROUGE &045; The Alcorn Lady Braves could be forgiven if they were a little exuberant in their celebrations after beating Southern Saturday night.

Not only did the win secure a Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season championship for the team, but it came on a buzzer-beater from senior Tnonealyer Powers.

After all, it’s been four years since the Lady Braves won a conference championship of any sort, meaning none of the players on this year’s squad had ever won a conference championship.

So it only makes sense that the Lady Braves moved as one to mob Powers after her shot fell, giving Alcorn at 57-55 win.

&uot;This was a pretty tough game, but we always say each game is like a championship,&uot; Powers said.

It will take that kind of team effort as they move forward to finish the regular season and head into the SWAC Tournament.

Walker said her team played about as well as she had ever seen against Alabama State Monday night.

&uot;Last Monday (against Alabama State) was one of the best games we’ve played, I thought,&uot; Alcorn head coach Shirley Walker said. &uot;They did a good coaching job on the floor. They were working as a team and doing things without us even telling them. I said, ‘Let’s take that energy and bring it to this game.’&uot;

That strong play wasn’t in evidence for much of the game Saturday night, though the team came through in the final minutes to take the win. Despite the win, there was plenty of room for improvement in Alcorn’s performance against Southern. The Lady Braves shot poorly from the field and the free throw line, something they will need to work on, Powers said.

&uot;We have to get out there and work on limiting mistakes like we had this game,&uot; Powers said.

Walker was quick to downplay any thoughts her team would dwell on their accomplishments thus far.

&uot;It’s just like Day 1. We know we’re in the tournament, but we’re just looking at Prairie View,&uot; Walker said. &uot;But do I have high hopes for the tournament? Yes, I do. We’re just looking at the last two games, then we’ll get into the tournament.&uot;

Alcorn may be the favorite heading into the conference tournament next week after storming through the SWAC regular season with a 13-3 record with two games to go.