PINE BLUFF, Ark. | Four Alabama A&M University women's basketball players reached double figures in scoring, but it wasn't enough in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) opener to Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 75-67, on Saturday afternoon at H.O. Clemmons Arena.

Alabama A&M (5-8 overall, 0-1 SWAC) cut UAPB's lead to six in the final period but could not get any closer. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-8, 1-0) held the Bulldogs scoreless for nearly the final two minutes to earn the conference win.

Kylah Turner paced the Bulldogs with 16 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Alisha Wilson registered 14 points, six boards, four steals and two assists, while Amiah Simmons tallied 11 points, five steals, four assists and three rebounds.  Kaylin Nash chipped in 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.

Coriah Beck led UAPB with 16 points, on 8-of-12 shooting, with five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Zaay Green added 15 points, eight assists, six boards, three blocks and two steals.
 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Alabama A&M began the game with a 10-8 advantage, following a layup from Simmons just five minutes into the contest.

However, a layup from Green helped the Golden Lions grab the a 12-10 advantage with 3:53 remaining in the opening period.

AAMU cut the deficit to 17-16 after a triple by Simmons with 40 seconds left, but a pull-up jumper from Maori Davenport sent the Golden Lions into the second period with a 19-16 advantage.

UAPB continued to extend the lead, pushing the margin to 29-20 after a 3-pointer by Kaila Walker with 6:15 left in the half.

Alabama A&M used a 7-1 run during the final two minutes of the half, highlighted by a Turner free-throw to tie the game at 32 at the break.

UAPB used an 8-0 run during the first four minutes of the second half to grab a 40-34 lead following a Beck free-throw.

Alabama A&M answered back, taking a 45-44 lead after a Turner jumper with 3:51 remaining in the third period.

UAPB closed out the third with a 7-0 run, highlighted by a layup from Corina Carter, sending the Golden Lions into the final quarter with a 55-47 advantage.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff began the final period strong, extending its lead to 61-51 after a jumper by Green with eight minutes remaining.

A jumper from Turner closed the gap 71-65 with 2:08 remaining.

Alabama A&M could not respond as Arkansas-Pine Bluff escaped with the victory.
 
GAME NOTES

• Alabama A&M shot 42 percent (26-of-62) from the floor and 60 percent (12-of-20) from the charity stripe
• AAMU pulled down 39 rebounds, 24 coming off the defensive glass
• Kaylah Turner tallied 16 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals
• Alisha Wilson recorded 14 points, six rebounds, four steals and two assists
• Amiah Simmons chipped in 11 points, five steals, four assists and three rebounds
• Kailyn Nash added 11 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal
• The Bulldogs finished with 26 points in the paint, 17 bench points, 15 fastbreak points, 15 points off 22 UAPB turnovers and 14-second chance points  
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff 25-of-54 (46.3 percent) and 21-of-30 (70 percent) from the charity stripe
• Coriah Beck finished with 16 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block
• Zaay Green posted 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals
• The Golden Lions finished with 38 points in the paint, 21 points off 25 AAMU turnovers, 13 bench points, 10 fast break points and eight second-chance points

 
 UP NEXT
Alabama A&M continues its road swing, visiting Mississippi Valley State on Monday night. Tip-off against the Devilettes is set for 5:30 p.m. from the R.W Harrison HPER Complex.
 
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