BIRMINGHAM, AL --The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women's basketball team rallied from a 56-49 deficit after the third quarter to beat the Alabama State Lady Hornets 71-66 at Bartow Arena Friday at the Southwestern Athletic Conference semi-finals.
The Lady Lions advanced to the SWAC Championship for the first time in the history of the program.
The Lady Lions had three players score in double figures, led by Maya Peat, who had 16 points and two blocks. Coriah Beck tacked on 16 points and four assists and Demetria Shephard helped out with 13 points and two steals off the bench.
UAPB utilized great ball movement in Friday's game, piling up 17 assists on 22 made field goals. Individually, Tia Morgan lent a helping hand the most for the Lady Lions with five assists.
"For us to come out victorious, we would have to stay together. There were going to be obstacles that we would face," UAPB head basketball coach DawnThornton said.
"There was no doubt in my mind. Even when we had ups and downs, I asked them if they wanted to win. I could see it in their eyes that they wanted to get this done."
UAPB did a great job disrupting Alabama State shots in the contest, coming away with seven blocks. Jelissa Reese's three rejections led the way individually for the Lady Lions.
How It Happened
After falling behind 9-4, UAPB went on a 7-0 run with 6:17 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Reese, to take an 11-9 lead. The Lady Lions then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 16-15.
The Lady Lions and Lady Hornets then played an even second quarter making the halftime score 36-35 in favor of Alabama State.
UAPB's deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Lady Lions faced a 56-49 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. UAPB took advantage of four Alabama State turnovers in the quarter, scoring six points off of takeaways.
UAPB narrowed its deficit to 62-59 before going on a 10-0 run to seize a 69-62 lead with 1:10 to go in the contest. The Lady Hornets narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Lady Lions still held on for the 71-66 win. UAPB took advantage of eight Alabama State turnovers in the quarter, scoring 10 points off of those takeaways.
Game Notes
» The Lady Lions rallied from a seven-point 56-49 third quarter deficit to pick up the win.
» The Lady Lions were incredible from long range, knocking down six of 10 three point attempts.
» The Lady Lions held the Lady Hornets to only 38.9 percent shooting from the field.
» The Lady Lions put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 77 percent of made baskets.
» The UAPB bench made an impact by adding 22 points to its scoring output.
» UAPB had a 31-25 edge on the boards in the win.
» UAPB defense forced the Lady Hornets to 18 turnovers.
» The Lady Lions were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying seven blocks as a team.
» Maya Peat and Coriah Beck led the Lady Lions with 16 points apiece.
» UAPB got a game-high seven rebounds from Jelissa Reese.
The Lady Lions will advance to the Championship game Friday, March 11, against the winner of Jackson St. and Southern U. The game will be televised live on ESPN+ 1:00 p.m. CT.
1#Team1ROAR
