UAPB FOOTBALL: Golden Lions rush for 201 yards in 35-21 win over Mississippi Valley State

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PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff used a big 201-yard performance on the ground and three rushing touchdowns to pick up a 35-21 win against Mississippi Valley State Saturday afternoon at home at Simmons Bank Field.

The Golden Lions improved to 3-5 on the year and 2-2 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, while the Delta Devils fell to 0-8 and 0-4.

Mekhi Hagens led UAPB’s passing attack with 204 yards through the air, tossing two touchdowns without throwing an interception. The signal caller also added 78 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

To go along with Hagens’ performance, BJ Curry paced the Golden Lions rushing attack by accumulating 74 yards over the course of the game, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

JaVonnie Gibson reeled in seven catches for 102 yards and one score, while Jaden Kelly showed out for the UAPB defense, totaling eight tackles and one recovered fumble.

The Golden Lions won the turnover battle in Saturday’s game, forcing one turnover while avoiding any give-a-ways, with UAPB turning that takeaway into seven points. UAPB had a powerful performance on the ground, gaining 201 rushing yards while averaging 5.4 yards per carry and out-rushing Mississippi Valley State by 17 yards. UAPB converted on 75 percent of third-down attempts on the day.

Defensively, UAPB held up fairly well against the Mississippi Valley State offensive attack, holding the Delta Devils to 343 total yards.

How It Happened

UAPB scored on the game’s opening drive to take a 7-0 lead. Mississippi Valley State then tied things at 7-7 before the Golden Lions responded with a one-yard touchdown rush from to jump back ahead 14-7.

After Mississippi Valley State took a 21-14 lead, UAPB responded with a touchdown to even the game at 21-21.The Golden Lions then kept the momentum going with a 33-yard touchdown strike to Gibson from Hagens to take a 28-21 lead.

UAPB continued to increase its lead, scoring again with 5:32 left in the fourth quarter to go on top 35-21. Neither team scored again in the game.

Game Notes

» UAPB outgained Mississippi Valley State 422-343, including a 221-159 advantage through the air.
» UAPB won the turnover battle 1-0 after recovering one fumble.
» UAPB had their highest scoring quarter in the fourth period, when they put up 14 points.
» UAPB converted 9 of 12 third downs while Mississippi Valley State was successful on 6 of 11.
» The Golden Lions had two players with more than eight tackles in the ballgame led by Quintin Sterling, who had 14.
» The Golden Lions ended the game on a high note, scoring 21 unanswered points to close out the contest.
» Hagens completed 81.2% of his passes on the day, going 13-for-16 while averaging 12.8 yards per attempt.

The Golden Lions will be back in action Saturday, November 2 against Jackson St.  Kickoff is set for 2 P.M.