Box Score Lansing, MI.- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff didn't appear to be the least bit intimidated by the 13th-ranked team in the nation Michigan StATE, after defeating Western Athletic Conference opponent Seattle and taking Big 12 Oklahoma State down the stretch last week.
The Spartans proved worthy of that high ranking as they defeated the Golden Lions 92-46 Friday night at the Breslin Center with a crowd over 14,000.
With the Spartans leading 5-4 off a basket from UAPB Chauncy Parker in the first of the game, MSUÂ went on a 16-0 run to put themselves in a position to go into intermission with a comfortable lead.
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After taking a 46-19 lead into halftime, the Spartans (3-0) stumbled defensively to start the second half.
UAPB junior guard Ghiavonni Robinson, the team's top assist man in the first two games, turned into a scorer in the first half against the Spartans and never let up.
He had nine of his team's 24 points in the first 20 minutes, three more than he averaged in a win at Seattle and a loss at Oklahoma State.
The Golden Lions (1-2) started the final 20 minutes on a 10-6 run, but it was not enough for another comeback win against a bigger opponent.
UAPB will again be in Big Ten country Tuesday night when they face the Nebraska Cornhuskers Sunday November 22nd.Â
Playing in these hostile environments night in and night out will prepare the Golden Lions for another run for the SWAC title and a berth to the NCAA Tournament.
