Box Score Houston, TX- With all the fanfare associated with NBA All-Star weekend, The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions had a 1:30 PM tipoff against the Texas Southern Tigers on the campus of Texas Southern University.

The Golden Lions would have their hands full all afternoon, as the Tigers got off to an early start when Lawrence Johnson-Danner connected on three pointer  at  the 19:04 mark. UAPB and TSU would trade buckets back and forth as the lead changed hands 10 times in the first half; with Texas Southern largest lead reaching four, 24-20 with 3:08 remaining before the half.

Texas Southern would take a three point lead into the half, 32-29.

 The second half would be shooting exhibition, as Texas Southern guard Omar Strong would drain six of his game high seven three pointers to end the day with 25 points. The Tigers would push their three point halftime lead to as much as 13, half way through the second half; at which point the Golden Lions would chip away at that lead behind the shooting of Lazabian Jackson and the defensive pressure of Tevin Hammond, whose back-to back steals with 6:41 left on the clock would close the lead to six.

Down the stretch too much Omar Strong and a strong inside presence from Fred Sturdivant, who grabbed a game high 14 rebounds, would prove to the difference; as the Tigers would hand the Golden Lions an six point loss, 75-69.

“I thought we played very hard. Texas Southern did a good job freeing up Omar Strong, he hit some key shots down the stretch”, said head coach George Ivory. “Overall I was pleased with the way we came out and played. I was pleased with the effort”, added Ivory.

Terrell Kennedy led the way for the golden Lions with 15 points, while grabbing six rebounds. Davon Haynes had solid performance with 13 and nine rebounds. Jackson and Hammond would turn 11 points apiece.

Strong led all scorers and grabbed six boards, while Sturdivant had 15 points to give his double digit rebounds. Johnson-Danner would add 12 and Ray Penn would chip in 11.

Next on tap for the Golden Lions, is a Monday night match against the panthers of Prairie View. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM.