Lady Lions Dominate Second Half to Down Bethune-Cookman 77-54
Photo: uapblionsroar.com
In a commanding home performance Thursday night at H.O. Clemmons Arena, the UAPB Lady Lions surged past the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats with a convincing 77-54 victory in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.
The game was nip-and-tuck early, with both teams trading baskets and momentum through the first half. The score was tied 16-16 at the end of the opening quarter, and the Wildcats carried a narrow lead into halftime. But the Lady Lions flipped the script after intermission.
UAPB came out of the locker room with renewed energy, opening the second half with a 14-0 run that put Bethune-Cookman on its heels and swung momentum decisively in favor of the home team. From that point forward, the Lady Lions maintained control, outscoring the Wildcats 50-26 in the second half. UAPB Head Coach Erica Leak spoke on what the Lady Lions did differently in the second half:
Coach Leak also talked about the Lady Lion’s newly found energy:
Senior Indiya Bowen led the charge offensively for UAPB, finishing with 21 points, including multiple three-pointers that helped sustain scoring runs throughout the night. Her all-around effort provided a spark on both ends of the floor. Khaniah Gardner also made key contributions, adding 15 points, many coming at the free-throw line sinking 9 out 10 from the stripe. Coach Leak chimed in on Gardner’s performance:
Despite the comfortable win, UAPB wasn’t flawless — the Lady Lions committed 18 turnovers — an area coach and players alike will look to tighten up as the SWAC schedule progresses.
The Lady Lions return to action Saturday, January 17, when they will host Florida A&M at the H.O. Clemmons with opening tip scheduled for 3pm. Deltaplex Radio’s 99.3 The Beat will carry live action brought to you by Central Maloney Inc.
