COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Arkansas-Pine Bluff edged Alcorn State 64-60 on Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament at The Gateway Center Arena.
The Braves finished the season with a 17-13 record, their best SWAC finish in 20 years, with 14 conference wins. UAPB improved to 15-15 and will face either Alabama State or Grambling State in the semifinals on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Alcorn’s Kiarra Henderson led the team with 18 points, her 17th double-figure game of the season. She also added nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Nakia Cheatham scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in her final game for the Braves, while Lauren Nelson contributed a season-high 16 points.
The game was closely contested throughout, with Alcorn leading early and holding an 11-4 advantage midway through the first quarter. Arkansas-Pine Bluff responded with a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Braves 28-17 to build a sizable lead.
Despite a late rally by Alcorn, including a three-pointer from Cheatham with six seconds remaining, the Golden Lions held on to secure the victory. Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Jasmine Davis sealed the win at the free-throw line, making one of two attempts with four seconds left.
Alcorn struggled offensively, shooting just 28.6% in the first half and missing 10 layups overall. The Braves’ season concludes with their second-place finish in the SWAC standings.
