MOBILE, Ala. — Maya Hunkin-Claytor scored 18 points and set the Alcorn State single-season record for three-pointers made as the Braves lost to Arkansas-Pine Bluff 66-61 in the final game of the regular season Thursday night inside the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
Alcorn had already secured the No. 2 seed for the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament. The Braves finished with a 17-12 overall record and 14-4 in conference play, matching their 2004-05 league wins for the second-most in program history. Arkansas-Pine Bluff improved to 13-15 overall and 10-8 in SWAC play, ending the regular season in a three-way tie for fifth place, with seeding to be decided by tiebreakers.
The game was Senior Night for Alcorn, honoring seniors Ja’Sharreah Hunt and Arene Iyekekpolor after the contest. Nakia Cheatham also was recognized after scoring her 1,000th career point last week in Texas. Hunkin-Claytor led the team with six three-pointers, while Kiarra Henderson added 17 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double. Cheatham finished with 15 points and eight rebounds in her final game at the Whitney Complex. Iyekekpolor made one three-pointer on two attempts.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff led for most of the game, building a double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter. The Braves mounted a late rally, outscoring the Golden Lions 21-16 in the final period but falling short. UAPB held an 18-13 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 33-25 at halftime, fueled by balanced scoring and strong rebounding in the paint.
Indiya Bowen scored a game-high 26 points, including five three-pointers, and added four assists and four steals. Jailah Pelly scored 15 points, many off transition baskets, while Khaniah Gardner posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, shooting perfect from the floor. The Golden Lions increased their lead to 13 points midway through the fourth quarter, their largest of the night. UAPB did not substitute in the second half.
As a team, Alcorn shot 41.3% from the field, while UAPB attempted 20 free throws compared to the Braves’ 10. The Braves will now prepare for the SWAC Tournament, where they hold the No. 2 seed and will face an opponent to be determined on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
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