UAPB Hoop Squads Drop Season Debuts

Trey Sampson Debut v. Creighton

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff men basketball team dropped their season opener to Creighton 90-77 in Omaha, Nebraska Tuesday night.

The Golden Lions started well, taking a 26-11 lead mid-way through the first half. Defensively, Pine Bluff forced nine first half turnovers which resulted in 17 points for UAPB. The Golden Lions would continue their first half dominance, shooting 51% from the field, leading to a 47-38 halftime lead. Trey Sampson paced the Lions with 20 first half points, while shooting an astounding 63% from the field. The Bluejays would wake up in the second half, scoring 17 consecutive points to regain the lead. Creighton dominated the paint after halftime, scoring 32 points in the lane leading to their 13 point victory.

Trey Sampson had a spectacular night, finishing with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. Shawn Williams was the only other Golden Lion with double figure scoring with 16 points, 3 assist, and 3 boards.

UAPB will be back in action Friday, November 12, when they will travel to Ft. Collins to take on the Colorado State Rams. Tip off is scheduled for 9p.m. at Moby Arena, and will be streamed live on the Varsity Network.

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The UAPB Lady Lions lost their season debut to McNeese State in a close match-up 65-60 at the H.O. Clemmons Arena Tuesday evening.

It was a back and forth first half as the Cowboys and Lady Lions would battle for each basket scored, exchanging leads early in the game. Despite a productive first half, Arkansas-Pine Bluff would trail by three leading into the half. McNeese St. would start the third period with 10-0 run to extend their lead to 44-31. By the end of the third, the Lady Lions battled back to cut the lead to 52-44. Pine Bluff would continue to fight, going on an 8-2 run at the beginning of the fourth quarter to pull within two. That would be as close as the Lady Lions would get as they were unable to overcome the final deficit of five points falling 65-60.

Kadijah Brown posted a double double with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Joyce Kennerson returned to the squad after a season ending knee injury last year and contributed 13 points, shooting 63% from three point land. Sade Hudson chipped in 11 points in the loss.

The Lady Lions will be on the Hill Friday, November 12th, as they prepare to take on in-state rival the Arkansas at noon.