UAPB Surges to Upset Alcorn in Women’s Basketball Thriller
Arkansas-Pine Bluff rallied from a 19-point third-quarter deficit to beat Alcorn State 64-60 Saturday in a Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s basketball game at H.O. Clemmons Arena in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
The win ended Alcorn’s eight-game winning streak, which had lasted more than two decades. The Braves (12-10, 9-2 SWAC) had entered the game tied for first place in the conference with Alabama A&M, their only previous loss coming on the road against the Bulldogs.
Jailah Pelly scored a game-high 20 points for UAPB, including eight in the fourth quarter. She also added four rebounds and went 3-for-4 from the field. Kiarra Henderson led the Braves with 20 points, tying her season high, and added eight assists and five rebounds. Chrishunti Walker scored 13 points, while Nakia Cheatham contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Cheatham’s effort marked her fourth double-double of the season and second in three games. Henderson shot 8-for-11 from the field, including a three-pointer. Walker and Henderson combined to make six of eight free throws. Cheatham has now scored in double figures in 17 games this season.
Alcorn struggled with turnovers, committing more than 20 in the game for the fourth time in five contests. The Braves also led 34-28 in points in the paint, with Walker contributing 10 points in that area. Despite shooting 48.4% in the first half, Alcorn was limited to just nine field goals in the second, allowing UAPB to take advantage and score nine points off turnovers in the third quarter.
The game saw several momentum shifts. Alcorn opened a 21-10 lead early in the first quarter, but UAPB responded with a 19-5 run over seven minutes to close the gap. The Golden Lions took their first lead in the fourth quarter after Pelly scored on a fast break, then regained the lead on free throws from Bowen and Pelly in the final minutes. Bowen’s free throws sealed the victory for UAPB.
Alcorn will host Florida A&M on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. at the Davey L. Whitney Complex. Fans can follow updates on the team via the Braves’ official social media channels.
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