The Arkansas Pine-Bluff Golden Lady Lions took on the Alcorn State Lady Braves on Wednesday as part of the Southwestern Athletics Conference (SWAC) Women’s Basketball Tournament. Early in the game, Alcorn State held a lead, but their scoring droughts led to UAPB scoring runs, turning a tight game into a blowout at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Golden Lady Lions took advantage of the Lady Braves’ turnovers in the third quarter to extend their halftime lead of 7 points to 18 points at the start of the fourth quarter. The Golden Lady Lions won the game 64-60, moving on to the semifinals, awaiting the winner of the Alabama State and Grambling State game.
Even though the Lady Golden Lions started the 4th quarter leading by 18 points against the Alcorn State Lady Braves, they had other plans: to spoil their opportunity to move on in the SWAC Tournament. Alcorn State played the fourth quarter of the game as if the score was 0-0, grinding it out, fighting defensively, forcing 6 UABP turnovers, and missing scoring opportunities in the paint allowed the Lady Braves to make this a close game. The Lady Braves were able to cut the UAPB lead to three points with a made three-pointer by Nakia Cheatham, who shot 3 for 6 from behind the three-point line with 6 seconds left in the game, giving the Lady Braves hope they could force overtime with a defensive stop and a three-point basket.
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The Golden Lady Lions Jasmine David was fouled and went to the free-throw line, making 1 of 2 free throws, extending their lead to 4 points, ending any hope for a Lady Braves comeback. In the next round of the SWAC Basketball Tournament, the Golden Lady Lions must stop picking up their dribble prematurely, which allows the ball handler to become vulnerable to the defensive pressures of their opponent. The University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff had 23 turnovers for the game compared to 18 by Alcorn State University. Those 5 extra turnovers UAPB The Golden Lady Lions out-rebounded Alcorn State in the game must find a way to keep a body on a body when they are in the paint when their opponent is trying to find a way to get back in the game.
The Golden Lady Lions had three players in double figures. Jailah Pelly was the leading scorer with 19 points, Khaniah Gardner had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Indiya Bowen scored 14 points with 4 assists. The Golden Lady Lions’ size in the front court will be a factor as they continue through the tournament.