PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women's basketball team earned its first SWAC win of the season in gritty fashion Thursday night, defeating Prairie View A&M 53-49 at the William Nicks Building. In a game that stayed tight throughout, the Lady Lions leaned on their defensive resolve and relentless work on the glass to secure a key road victory in conference play.
UAPB set the tone early, edging Prairie View 15-14 after the opening quarter before both teams traded baskets and momentum in the second, sending the Lady Lions into halftime with a narrow 29-28 advantage. The difference came coming out of the break, as Arkansas-Pine Bluff put together its best stretch of the night in the third quarter—outscoring the Panthers 16-11 to extend the lead to 45-39 heading into the final period. Prairie View made a push in the fourth, but UAPB stayed composed down the stretch, finishing defensive possessions and limiting second looks to close out the win.
Offensively, Jailah Pelly and Tyra Taylor paced the Lady Lions with 17 points apiece, providing steady production in key moments. Indiya Bowen added 14 points and connected on four 3-pointers, giving UAPB timely perimeter makes that helped maintain control during Prairie View runs. On the interior, Briontanay Marshall anchored UAPB's effort with a game-high 11 rebounds, helping fuel a decisive advantage on the boards that ultimately swung the game.
As a team, Arkansas-Pine Bluff won the rebounding battle 46-31, including 17 offensive rebounds that consistently extended possessions and created extra opportunities in a one-possession contest. The Lady Lions finished 20-of-67 from the field and 4-of-26 from three, while Prairie View shot 15-of-47 overall and 7-of-24 from beyond the arc. UAPB also forced activity defensively with seven steals, and despite 20 turnovers, the Lady Lions' toughness on the glass and defensive stops in the second half proved to be the difference in earning a conference road win.
UP NEXT:
The Lady Lions will travel to Texas Southern on Saturday to close out their road trip for the week.
