The Southern University women’s basketball program delivered a statement for HBCU sports, achieving back-to-back road victories against major conference opponents in a four-day span last week. The wins included snapping the undefeated streak of the Arizona Wildcats before defeating the Houston Cougars in their own building.

The Lady Jaguars, members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), first pulled off a monumental road upset on Tuesday, Dec. 3, defeating the then-unbeaten Arizona Wildcats of the Pac-12 Conference. Southern’s defense held the Wildcats to 57 points, securing the 63-57 victory in Tucson, Arizona. Arizona entered the contest 6-0, giving the Jaguars their first signature win of the nonconference schedule. Demya Porter led the way in the victory with 16 points.

Southern carried that momentum into their next contest on Sunday, Dec. 7, traveling to face the Houston Cougars of the Big 12 Conference. The Jaguars dominated the game from the opening tip, controlling the score en route to a 70-62 victory at the Fertitta Center. Southern never trailed in the contest, using disciplined half-court play and efficient shooting to overwhelm the Cougars.

The victory over Houston showcased Southern’s depth, with five players reaching double figures. Olivia Delancy and Zaria Hurston contributed 11 points each, while Demya Porter also added 11 points and six rebounds. The Jaguars’ bench provided a critical 33 points, helping the team maintain control and secure its second consecutive major conference win.

The pair of victories provides a significant boost to the program's profile and validates their demanding nonconference slate, which included matchups against other nationally prominent teams such as UCLA and Iowa State. Southern, led by coach Carlos Funchess, improved its record to 3-5 following the victories.

These upsets underscore the competitive strength present in the SWAC and women's HBCU basketball. The Jaguars’ performance on the road against two Power 4 opponents demonstrates the team’s resolve and preparation, marking a memorable week for Southern University Athletics. The team is scheduled to play next against Southern University at New Orleans on Dec. 12 in Baton Rouge.