PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The UAPB Lady Lions showed fight and growth in Saturday's SWAC home contest, putting together their best push late and finishing the night with energy and purpose, despite a 72-49 final.

UAPB stayed aggressive defensively all afternoon—forcing 8 steals—and kept battling through a tough first half. Coming out of the break, the Lady Lions settled in and played with more pace and confidence, scoring 31 points in the second half and continuing to attack the paint and the rim.

Turning point (late-game push):

Down the stretch, the Lady Lions refused to fold. After the margin stretched with just over three minutes left, UAPB responded with a strong closing run—Jayla Cornelius hit a big three at 2:23, and the Lady Lions followed it up with stops, free throws, and finishes at the rim. UAPB held the opponent scoreless over the final 3:34 and kept competing to the horn, showing the toughness and togetherness that will translate as conference play continues.

Lady Lions Leaders

Indiya Bowen: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals

Jailah Pelly: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

Jayla Cornelius: 10 points (2 threes), 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Team notes: 6 threes, 9 offensive rebounds, continued pressure on both ends