PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Playing in front of a nationally-televised audience suited the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff men's basketball team just fine Monday night.
The Golden Lions kept Alcorn State on its heels throughout the first half before stepping on the gas after halftime to pull away for a convincing 73-62 victory at the H.O. Clemmons Arena. The Southwestern Athletic Conference clash was televised by ESPNU.
Sophomore forward Shaun Doss went 12 of 12 from the foul line and finished with a game-high 25 points for UAPB (11-16, 8-5), which has won four games in a row. Senior guard Martaveous McKnight scored 12 points and junior forward Marquell Carter added 10.
Junior guard Maurice Howard, had 13 points to lead Alcorn State (8-17, 4-9). Junior forward Devon Brewer and senior forward Reginal Johnson each tossed in 10 points.
The Golden Lions got things going early and led 20-12 halfway through the first half, but the Braves ran off nine points in a row, capped by a lay-up from junior forward DeShaw Andrews, to grab a 21-20 lead with 4:18 to go. But UAPB roared back as senior guard Charles Jackson drilled a three-pointer to start a half-ending, 9-0 run to put the Golden Lions up 29-21 at intermission.
UAPB opened the second half by scoring 13 of the first 15 points, with Doss scoring six, to establish a 19-point lead. Alcorn State tried to get back in it, but the Golden Lions continued to get clutch shots from Doss, Carter and McKnight to keep UAPB comfortably ahead. The Braves did make a late run to get within 11 twice, but they'd get no closer.
FAST BREAK
· Doss' 25 point tied his career high that he set against Alabama State on Feb. 9.
· McKnight has scored in double figures in 25 of UAPB's 26 games this season.
· Sophomore forward Terrance Banyard had seven rebounds to go along with his six points. Junior center Isaac Bassey had 8 points.
· UAPB was outrebounded 35-34 in the first meeting with Alcorn State but held a 36-24 advantage on the glass in the rematch.
· The four-game winning streak is the longest for the Golden Lions since they won seven in a row to start conference play last season.
· Doss has led UAPB in scoring in three of its last six games.
· Each team hit five three-pointers.
· The Golden Lions were 20 of 22 from the free-throw line while the Braves were 11 of 14.
OURTeamOURTown