Two points.

That's all that stood between the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a possible trip to the NCAA National Tournament last season.

But a questionable call late during the semifinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference's Tournament cost the Lions their second consecutive trip to the conference finals and a potential berth in the NCAA's as Jackson State hung on to advance with a heartbreaking 64-62 win.

Last season's near-miss has only added more fuel to the fire in the Golden Lions' bellies, as Van Holts' troops prepare for another exciting season in the wild SWAC-West division.

Another brutal non-conference slate awaits the Golden Lions (12-19, 9-9 SWAC) this season as UAPB prepares for the start of the conference run.

The Golden Lions posted a sparkling 7-3 record at home, but a tough 4-15 record on the road. Nine of those road losses did come at the hands of Division I opponents such as Fresno State, Nebraska, New Mexico State, UTEP and TCU and another run through the DI gauntlet will await the Lions this season.

As in years in the past, UAPB will take the Golden Lions' floor show on the road. Once again the Lions will definitely be road warriors as road dates with UTEP, Wichita State, TCU, Wyoming, and Colorado State will put some serious frequent flyer miles on the Lions this season.

But despite the brutal non-conference sked, Holt has a roster full of seasoned players and talented newcomers and hopes in Pine Bluff are optimistically high.

One of the reasons optimism is high is the return of All-SWAC First Team member and 2007-08 SWAC Preseason Player of the Year William Byrd (Sr., F/G, 6-7, Tutwiler, MS). Byrd led the Golden Lions in scoring (13 ppg), rebounds (7.5 rpg) and steals (41). In addition he also dished out 47 assists.

Three other starters return from last year's squad, as Larry Williams (Sr., G, 6-3, Little Rock, AR), George Davis (So. F, 6-6, Vaiden, MS) and Tim Hamilton (Sr., F/G, 6-3, Arlington, TX) are back in the den.

Williams averaged almost 8 points a game with 38 assists and Davis was good for 5 points and four rebound a game last season.

UAPB will boats one of the deepest and most experienced benches in the SWAC this season, as five players return with solid credentials from last season.

Terrance Calvin (So., G, 6-2, Clarksdale, MS) leads the charge off the bench where he averaged 10.5 ppg last season. Marcelle Goins (Sr., G, 6-2, Pine Bluff, AR), from nearby Watson Chapel High School, along with Tyree Glass (So. F, 6-7, Fort Wayne , IN), should also both provide valuable minutes off the Lions' bench this season.

While the Golden Lions won't be as big as some teams in the SWAC, newcomers Jamarcus Williams (Fr., F, 6-9, Marshall, TX) and Tim Johnson (Fr., F, 6-7, Little Rock, AR) will provide much-needed height along the UAPB front line.

UAPB opens the 2007-'08 season at UTEP on Nov. 9, followed by road games against Wichita State on Nov. 13 and TCU on Nov. 17.

The Golden Lions' first home game is slated for Nov. 20 against Louisiana Tech at H.O. Clemmons Arena.