The game-winning shot went through the basket just as time expired on Monday as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball team earned its second win of the season.
UAPB defeated North Alabama 50-48 thanks to junior guard Indiya Bowen’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer at CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall in Florence, Ala.
North Alabama (4-3) led for 35:12 of the game, but the Lady Lions hung around and outscored the hosts 18-9 in the fourth quarter to come from behind.
UAPB (2-5) hadn’t led since 3-2 until junior guard Jailah Pelly scored in transition off a UNA turnover to give the Lady Lions a 44-43 advantage with 3:57 to play. UNA took the lead back, but Pelly made a free throw with 15.9 remaining to put UAPB in front again, this time 47-46.
UNA senior guard Alyssa Clutter scored while drawing a foul to restore UNA’s lead. She missed the free throw, which resulted in a jump ball as both teams fought for the rebound. The possession arrow gave the ball to UAPB, and head coach Erica Leak called a timeout with 4.1 left to advance the ball to the front court and draw up a play.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Bowen got the ball and fired a shot from the left side of the arc, which went through the net as the buzzer sounded. The officials reviewed the play to check the clock before ruling the game was over.
Pelly led all scorers with 15 points and five rebounds. Bowen finished with 11 points, matching Clutter’s team-leading 11 for UNA.
UAPB shot 36 percent but made 5 of its final 6 shots. The teams combined for 41 turnovers, with each scoring 16 points from them.
The fourth quarter comeback was reminiscent of UAPB’s first win this season, when the Lady Lions outscored Memphis 25-10 in the fourth to win 69-64.