JONESBORO, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women's basketball team put up an impressive fight, but couldn't keep the momentum in the second half and dropped a non-conference affair to Arkansas St. 81-60 Monday night at the First National Bank Arena. 

UAPB jumped out to a quick lead in the first quarter, owning a 12-2 edge early with senior Kyeonia Harris' jumper with five minutes left in the first quarter. The Red Wolves would respond and went on a 16-8 run to cut the Lady Lions lead to 20-18 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second half, both teams battled back and forth before Arkansas St. went on a late run to take a 43-35 lead at the half. Harris scored 10 of her first half 14 points in the second quarter.

"We have to learn to play four quality quarters to give ourselves a chance to win," said first-year UAPB head coach Dawn Brown. "We can't afford to put ourselves in certain positions and go on a scoring drought. We fought back in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough in the comeback, but we'll get better as we go." 

In the second half, the Red Wolves came out hot, shooting 10-for-16 from the field and went on a 23-5 run in the third quarter to secure the win at home.

Harris and junior Jayla Atmore led UAPB scoring a game-high 18 points, followed by junior Trasity Totten with nine points. Totten had a team-high eight rebounds, followed by freshman Nissa Sam-Grant with seven rebounds and two blocks.

The Lady Lions will be back in action Monday against Wichita St. at 11:30 a.m. in Wichita, Kansas.

 

#UAPBLionsAreComing