UAPB Lady Lions Stun North Alabama with Buzzer-Beater to End Skid

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Florence, AL–In a wild finish Monday night, Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Lions pulled off a shocker — knocking off the North Alabama Lions on the road, 50–48, on a buzzer-beater that ended the Golden Lions’ five-game losing streak. The home crowd at Flowers Hall fell silent as UAPB’s final shot found nothing but net, handing North Alabama only its second defeat of the young season, effectively snapping a 4 game home win streak.

First Half: Defense defines the battle

From opening tip-off, the game tilted toward defense. UAPB — coming in 1-5 overall and 1-4 on the road — entered the game needing to improve their defensive numbers, giving up an average of 78.0 points per game. Meanwhile, North Alabama — 4-2 and 4-0 at home — aimed to protect its home floor and extend its season-opening win streak.

Both teams struggled to establish rhythm. Field-goal percentages were low, turnovers high, and neither offense could gain sustained momentum. UAPB managed to stay within striking distance of the Lions, refusing to let the game drift away, forcing 19 turnovers in the matchup.

Second Half: Back-and-forth drama, leading to final chaos

UAPB trailed by as many as 12 points in the third quarter and heading into the final minutes, the tension escalated. North Alabama held a slim lead, but UAPB — refusing to go away quietly — clawed back. Time and again, the Lady Lions forced turnovers, crashed the glass, and created second-chance opportunities, slowly chipping away at the deficit. UAPB Head coach Erica Leak talked about her team’s performance:

With less than 10 seconds remaining and the scoreboard reading 48–47 in favor of North Alabama, Coach Erica Leak drew up a play for the final shot. UAPB inbounded the ball. After a quick pass to Jailah Pelly and a screen, the ball found the hands of Indiya Bowen on the wing. With the clock winding down, she rose for a three — and buried it. UAPB’s sideline exploded. The stunned North Alabama bench could only watch as the officials reviewed the final shot. Coach Leak shared her thoughts on the execution of the final play:

Jailah Pelly finished the night with 15 points and 2 assist, Indiya Bowen chipped in 11 points including the game winning 3 pointer, while Khaniah Gardner had 7 points, 4 steals, and 10 rebounds. Freshman guard Jakyra Jackson added 8 points and 3 steals.

The Ladies are back in action Wednesday, when they will host a much improved Arkansas Baptist team.

  Tip off is scheduled for noon, inside the H.O. Clemmons Arena.