PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Seniors Martavious McKnight and Charles Jackson snapped out of shooting funks just in time to rescue the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff men's basketball team Saturday night on Senior Night.

McKnight scored 21 points and Jackson added 17 to lift the Golden Lions to a 70-66 victory over Grambling St. at the H.O. Clemmons Arena.

The duo combined to shoot 2 of 14 in UAPB's 48-44 loss to Prairie View A&M last Monday but bounced back to hit 14 of 27 shots against the Tigers. Sophomore forward Shaun Doss chipped in 19 points for UAPB (12-17, 9-7 SWAC).

Junior forwards Dallas Polk-Hilliard and Axel Mpoyo each had 17 points for Grambling St. (13-15, 7-8).  Junior guard Ivy Smith finished with 16.

The Golden Lions held a slim 26-23 lead at halftime and held off several second-half surges from the Tigers.  Grambling St. pulled with one point on five different occasions after halftime.  The Tigers were still down just two, 68-66, with five seconds left in the game after a lay-up from Mpoyo, but Doss drilled a pair of free throws moments later to close the door on the Tigers.

UAPB returns to action Monday against Jackson State on Meet the Spring Teams Night before finishing the regular season out at Mississippi Valley State.

FAST BREAK

 

· McKnight chipped in a season-high 10 assists.

· Jackson hit five three-pointers and three blocks whiles sharing team-high rebounding honors with junior forward Marquell Carter (seven).

· UAPB held Grambling St. to 29.6 percent shooting in the first half.

· Grambling St. has lost four games in a row after winning previously reeling off four consecutive victories.

· The Golden Lions are a half-game behind Alabama State for third place.

· Smith added to his league-leading assists total with 11 Saturday


 

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