UAPB Women Hoops Fall Late to North Texas 73-66

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball team took a 52-48 lead into the fourth quarter, but could not hang on and fell 73-66 to the North Texas Eagles on the road Wednesday.

The Golden Lions had two players score in double figures, led by Zaay Green, who had 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Demetria Shephard added 13 points and four steals off of the bench and Kaila Walker added nine points and two steals.

Led by Kourtney Rittenberry’s four offensive rebounds, UAPB did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in 10 second chance points.

UAPB’s defense held North Texas to only 37.9 percent shooting from the field, including 28.6 percent from beyond the arc.

How It Happened

After falling behind 11-5, UAPB went on an 8-0 run with 4:38 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Azaria Robinson, to take a 13-11 lead. North Texas then responded to tie things up at 17-17 heading into the second quarter. UAPB did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 16 of its 17 points close to the basket.

UAPB then started off the second quarter by going on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Maori Davenport, to take a 23-17 lead. The Eagles cut into that lead, but the Golden Lions still enjoyed a 31-26 advantage heading into halftime. UAPB dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 14 points close to the basket.

UAPB continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a three from Walker, to expand its lead further to 48-39 with 3:23 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Eagles had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Golden Lions still entered the fourth quarter with a 52-48 edge. UAPB knocked down four three-pointers in the quarter to score 12 of its 21 total points.

North Texas then erased the UAPB lead in the game’s final quarter for a 73-66 comeback victory. UAPB took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 14 points in the paint.

Game Notes

» The Golden Lions held the Eagles to only 37.9 percent shooting from the field.
» The UAPB bench came alive by scoring 20 points to its scoring output.
» The UAPB defense forced 20 turnovers.
» The Golden Lions were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team.
» UAPB cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Zaay Green led the Golden Lions with 18 points.
» UAPB got seven rebounds from both Maori Davenport and Zaay Green.