A&M Sports Info
2/7/2010 12:30:03 AM
Alabama A&M's struggles against Arkansas-Pine Bluff continued Saturday as the Golden Lions defeated the Bulldogs for the 11th straight time in the series, 62-55. UAPB (7-14, 7-3 SWAC) opened the game with a 17-2 run, a lead the Bulldogs were never fully able to overcome. Alabama A&M (7-11, 4-6 SWAC) did cut the margin to three midway through the second half, but could get no closer as Pine Bluff pulled away down the stretch. Cornelius Hester's layup as time expired gave him 20 points for the night to lead A&M. Maurice Kemp added 10 points.
"We tried to come up with different combinations after they got the big lead," A&M head coach Vann Pettaway said. "But just as we got back into the game, we would either take a bad shot or commit a turnover. We also need to do a better job on the boards, and we need to be more alert on the floor."
The Bulldogs also could not overcome a huge deficit on the glass. The Golden Lions held a 43-27 rebound advantage, including 14 offensive caroms.
Alabama A&M's defense forced 18 turnovers, but the Bulldogs shot just 33 percent on the night, including 3-13 from behind the three-point arc. Sirvalence Townsend led the Golden Lions with 15 points on the night.
Pettaway said his team has to get ready for its next game and earn the split on the road trip. The Bulldogs face Mississippi Valley State on Monday night. The Delta Devils were 82-71 upset winners over Alabama State on Saturday.