UAPB Women Hoops Body Shines On Senior Night With Double-Double in Win Over Alcorn State

PINE BLUFF, AR – Markisha Body secured a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds to help the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball team defeat the Alcorn State Lady Braves 74-66 at home Saturday.

The Lady Lions had three players score in double figures, led by Body, who notched a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Coriah Beck added 19 points and Tia Morgan helped out with 15 points, six assists and three steals.

UAPB took advantage of excellent ball movement in Saturday’s game, piling up 20 assists on 25 made field goals. Morgan’s six assists led the distribution list for the Lady Lions and Raziya Potter also contributed with four assists of her own.

The Lady Lion defense was a problem in Saturday’s game, forcing 13 Alcorn State turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 10 points on the other end of the floor. Morgan’s three steals led the way individually for the Lady Lions.

How It Happened

UAPB started off strong, putting together a 17-15 lead heading into the second quarter. UAPB did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of its 17 points close to the basket.

UAPB built that first quarter lead to 30-23 before going on a 7-0 run starting at the 2:35 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Body, to increase its lead to 37-23. The Lady Braves cut into that lead, but the Lady Lions still enjoyed a 37-24 advantage heading into halftime.

Alcorn State then took a 45-44 lead following intermission before UAPB went on an 8-0 run, punctuated by a three from Morgan, to grab a 52-45 lead with 1:55 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Lady Braves had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Lady Lions still entered the fourth quarter with a 52-48 edge. UAPB knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 15 total points.

The Lady Braves proceeded to tie things up at 54-54 before UAPB went on a 9-0 run to seize a 63-54 lead with 4:56 to go in the contest. The Lady Braves narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Lady Lions still cruised the rest of the way for the 74-66 win. UAPB got up and down the court quickly in the quarter, scoring six fast break points.

Game Notes

» Markisha Body notched an impressive double-double for the Lady Lions with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
» The Lady Lions shot well from three point range, knocking down seven of 17 long range attempts.
» The Lady Lions held the Lady Braves to only 36.8 percent shooting from the field.
» The Lady Lions put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 80 percent of made field goals.
» UAPB had a 36-30 edge on the boards in the win.
» UAPB defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Markisha Body led the Lady Lions with 20 points.
» UAPB got a game-high 14 rebounds from Markisha Body.

With the win the Lady Lions captured the seventh seed out of 12 teams in the conference to earn a berth in the SWAC Tournament next week in Birmingham, Alabama.  UAPB will take on Alabama A&M, Wednesday, March 8.   Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. CT