ITTA BENA, MS -- Marquell Carter and Terrance Banyard both recorded double-doubles to help lead the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff men's basketball team over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils 80-76 on the road Saturday.

The Golden Lions (2-11, 1-0 SWAC) had four players score in double figures, led by Markedric Bell, who had 33 points and eight rebounds. Carter added a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Dequan Morris helped out with 11 points and two steals.

Led by Carter's seven offensive rebounds, UAPB did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 17 boards that resulted in 25 second-chance points.

The UAPB defense was a problem in Saturday's game, forcing 19 Mississippi Valley State turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 20 points on the offensive end of the floor. Morris led the way individually for the Golden Lions with two steals.

UAPB struggled out of the gate, falling behind 31-25 heading into halftime.

After intermission, UAPB came back to even it up at 62-62 before going on an 11-0 run to seize a 73-62 lead with 3:21 to go in the contest. The Delta Devils narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Golden Lions still held on for the win. UAPB took care of business in the paint, recording 30 of its 55 points in the lane.

"This was a very competitive game all the way through," said UAPB head coach George Ivory. "I was very impressed with the way we rebound the ball and never gave up when Valley went on a run. On the offensive side, Bell played the way we expect him to every game this year. We had a few guys that scored some big baskets that kept us in the game, and I'm pleased with that." 

The Golden Lions return to action on Saturday against Alabama A&M in Huntsville, Alabama, at 6 p.m. The UAPB Sports Network will have live radio broadcast on 99.3 FM The Beat, online at uapblionsroar.com, and on the free UAPB Athletics App.

 

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