MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lady Lions opened the 2025–26 season in unforgettable fashion, earning their second consecutive victory over Memphis, 69-64, inside Elma Roane Fieldhouse. The win also marked the program's first 1-0 start since 2020, setting the tone for a new era under head coach Erica Leak.
Junior guard Indiya Bowen made an immediate statement in her UAPB debut, erupting for a game-high 29 points on 9-of-19 shooting, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc and 8-of-12 from the line. The crafty guard showed her offensive versatility, scoring at will down the stretch and converting clutch free throws to seal the Lady Lions' victory. Right alongside her, Jailah Pelly turned in a commanding all-around performance, notching 23 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. The junior point guard showcased her veteran leadership, dictating tempo and fueling UAPB's fourth-quarter surge where the Lady Lions outscored Memphis 25-10.
Senior Briontanay Marshall and junior Jasmine Davis anchored the defensive effort, each grabbing nine rebounds while combining for five assists. Their hustle on the glass proved critical as UAPB dominated the boards 62-46, including 25 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points.

How it Happened:
After trailing 36-26 at halftime and falling behind by as many as 13 in the third quarter, the Lady Lions refused to fold. Their energy shifted behind strong defensive stops from Jasmine Davis and Briontanay Marshall, who each grabbed nine rebounds and tightened up UAPB's half-court defense. A 9-0 run fueled by a Pelly layup, a Tyra Taylor three-pointer, and a series of free throws from Bowen trimmed the deficit to single digits late in the third. Taylor, a freshman making her collegiate debut, added seven points and six rebounds in 24 minutes, showing confidence and composure beyond her years. Forward Khaniah Gardner chipped in eight rebounds and solid post defense, helping UAPB win the battle on the boards 62-46. 
The final ten minutes showcased the Lady Lions' toughness and resilience. Trailing 57-44 early in the fourth, UAPB erupted for a 25-7 closing run, overwhelming Memphis with relentless pressure and timely scoring. Bowen and Pelly alternated buckets to bring the Lady Lions within striking distance, while Davis found Bowen for a go-ahead layup with just under three minutes to play.
Moments later, Marshall tipped in a missed shot to extend the lead to three before sinking a free throw to make it 66-62. Bowen iced the game from the line with two final free throws in the closing seconds, completing the comeback and clinching the historic win. The Lady Lions shot 45 percent in the fourth quarter while holding Memphis to just 20 percent, outscoring the Tigers 25-10 in the frame.

Up Next:
The Lady Lions (1-0) will hit the road for their next contest on Friday, November 7, when they travel to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. Tip-off is set for 10:30 a.m. inside Bud Walton Arena.