College Station, TX.- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women's basketball team begins its highly anticipated 2026–27 campaign Monday night, traveling to College Station, Texas, to face Southeastern Conference opponent Texas A&M at Reed Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, with the game streaming live on SEC Network+ through the ESPN App.

Under third-year head coach Erica Leak, the Golden Lions enter the new season looking to build on a strong 2025–26 campaign that saw UAPB emerge as one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference's most competitive programs.

Last season, the Golden Lions finished 15–16 overall and 10–8 in SWAC play, placing among the top five teams in the conference standings. UAPB advanced to the semifinals of the SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament, finishing one victory shy of the conference championship game.

The Golden Lions also recorded an impressive season-opening road victory over Memphis, defeated North Alabama on a game-winning basket and secured three victories over Alcorn State. UAPB featured two of the conference's top 10 scorers while establishing itself as one of the SWAC's most disruptive defensive teams.

Bowen Headlines Talented Returning Group
Leading the Golden Lions into the new season is senior guard Indiya Bowen, the reigning SWAC Newcomer of the Year and First-Team All-SWAC selection.

Bowen returns after an outstanding 2025–26 season in which she led the conference with 462 total points, averaging 14.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

The Horn Lake, Mississippi, native made an immediate impact in her UAPB debut, scoring 29 points in the road victory over Memphis. She also delivered a 29-point performance against Alabama State, scored 26 against Alabama A&M and knocked down the game-winning basket against North Alabama.

Bowen enters her senior campaign with even more recognition after earning 2026–27 SWAC Preseason Player of the Year and Preseason First-Team All-SWAC honors. She recently added another milestone to her career by securing a Name, Image and Likeness partnership with basketball apparel brand AND1.

Joining Bowen in the backcourt is senior guard Jailah Pelly, who developed into one of the conference's most productive all-around players last season.

Pelly finished sixth in the SWAC with 396 total points, averaging 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.1 steals per contest. The St. Louis, Missouri, native gives UAPB another experienced scoring threat and defensive playmaker.

The Golden Lions also return senior forward Khaniah Gardner, who averaged 8.6 points and a team-leading 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 53 percent from the field. Gardner provides an experienced presence in the paint and will be counted on to contribute on both ends of the floor.

Senior guard Jasmine Davis, a Little Rock native, returns after averaging 7.2 points, 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Davis started 29 contests last season and provides valuable leadership and defensive intensity.

UAPB also welcomes back sophomore guard Jakyra Jackson, who averaged 5.4 points and 1.6 steals per game, along with sophomore forward Tyra Taylor, who contributed 4.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest.

Leak Continues Building Golden Lions Program

The Golden Lions enter the season under the leadership of Leak, who has continued raising the program's expectations since arriving in Pine Bluff.

Leak was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 and earned recognition on Louisiana Tech's Women's Basketball All-Quarter Century Team.

The former WNBA first-round draft pick was also selected as the SWAC Women's Basketball Head Coaches Chairperson entering the 2026–27 season.

With a veteran backcourt, returning production and a combination of experienced players and newcomers, UAPB looks to take another step forward in pursuit of a SWAC championship.

Scouting Texas A&M
Texas A&M also opens its 2026–27 season Monday night under head coach Joni Taylor.

The Aggies return nine players from last season while adding four transfers and two freshmen. Among the key returners is senior guard Janae Kent, who started 24 games and recorded double-digit scoring performances in 13 contests last season.

Texas A&M also welcomes LSU transfer Kailyn Gilbert, who helped lead the Tigers to the 2025 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.

Monday's matchup gives UAPB an early chance to test itself against SEC competition before continuing its nonconference schedule.

Game Information
Matchup: Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Texas A&M
Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. CT
Location: Reed Arena — College Station, Texas
Broadcast: SEC Network+ (ESPN App)
Live Stats: Texas A&M Athletics — 12thman.com