UAPB women beat Southern in rematch of ’23 championship

It didn’t take long for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to take firm control in Saturday afternoon’s SWAC championship game rematch.

The UAPB women’s basketball team defeated Southern 74-59 Saturday afternoon in Baton Rouge, earning a huge road win and a bit of revenge after losing to the Lady Jaguars in the title game last year.

This was the Lady Lions’ first win against Southern in Baton Rouge since Feb. 16, 2008.

In last Monday’s loss to Bethune-Cookman, UAPB (9-10, 4-2 SWAC) shot 42.9% from the free-throw line. The Lady Lions came back strong Saturday by making 27 of their 29 attempts. UAPB shot 51.2% from the field, another big improvement after shooting 38.9% Monday.

Senior guard Kalia Walker led all scorers with 21 points, a new season high for her. She made all five field goals she attempted, including two 3-pointers, and finished 9 of 10 from the free-throw line.

Coriah Beck followed with 13 points, and Zaay Green finished with 10. The duo combined to shoot 11 of 11 from the line.

UAPB played stifling defense, holding the Jaguars to 36.6% shooting. Southern (512, 3-3) guard Chloe Fleming led her team with 12 points, followed by Aleighyah Fontenot with 11.

UAPB never trailed. The Lady Lions led 6-0 before Southern scored.

The Lady Jaguars tied the game at 8 with 2:49 remaining in the first quarter, but Walker hit a 3-pointer while drawing a foul 21 seconds later.

She completed the 4-point play, putting UAPB in the lead for good.

The Lady Lions led 16-9 after the first quarter and 40-22 at halftime.

UAPB went on to hold its largest lead, 56-35, with 2:54 remaining in the third quarter.

Southern tried to rally in the fourth quarter, but the big lead was too much to overcome.

The Lady Jaguars twice got it down to 13 points but never closer.

This is the only scheduled game between UAPB and Southern this year, making this win extra important for the Lady Lions in the conference race.

This win puts UAPB alone in third place thanks to losses by Alabama A&M and Bethune-Cookman.

Another big matchup awaits UAPB on Monday at Grambling State (11-6, 5-1) as GSU sits alone in second place.