Game Statistics
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The Mississippi Valley State basketball team found themselves in stiff competition to open the conference season. However, playing tough, quick basketball provided all the incentive needed to open conference play with a 82-60 win over the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Lions.
MVSU (3-9, 1-0) started the game matching the physical play of the Lady Lions, claiming a 19-13 lead at the 11:58 mark of the first half.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-12, 0-1) fought back in the latter stages of the half, shooting 50 percent in the period (including four three-pointers) and 10-for-12 from the free throw line in the period. At intermission, UAPB led 34-32.
The second half saw MVSU turn up the defensive presence on the floor, forcing the Lady Lions into a game-total 28 turnovers. The MVSU defensive attack also forced UAPB to shoot 40.9 percent in the second half. However, it was the free throw shooting in the second half that proved to be vital in the game. UAPB connected on 7-of-23 attempts from the stripe while MVSU made 18-of-21 attempts in the period.
For the Lady Lions, Lakendra Marsh had 14 points and four assists while Jasmine Abrams tallied 14 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and three steals. Jenise Gentry garnered 13 points and four rebounds in the game while Laquisha Slaton and Chi Okwumabua each had eight points.
