Two of the SWAC’s top scorers went head-to-head Saturday night, but a less-heralded player made the difference.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball team defeated Mississippi Valley State 76-60 in Itta Bena, Mississippi, thanks in part to a career night from guard Demetria Shephard.
The UAPB (11-10, 6-2 SWAC) senior scored a career-high 23 points in 28 minutes to lead both teams. Her previous high as a Lady Lion was 18. She had reached that mark twice in two seasons, most recently Nov. 28 at Arkansas State.
Coriah Beck added 13 points with 11 rebounds, while Maya Peat scored 11 points with seven boards.
MVSU (2-20, 1-8) freshman Aaliyah Duranham led the Devilettes with 17 points. Jaylia Reed followed with 11.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAPB guard Zaay Green and MVSU guard Sh’Diamond McKnight have been two of the SWAC’s top players this season, but neither had big nights offensively. Green scored 2 points, though she also collected 10 rebounds. McKnight scored 5 points with five boards.
UAPB took the lead five seconds after the opening tip when Jelissa Reese scored a layup, assisted by Green. Peat and Reese each scored layups soon after to make it 6-0 before MVSU scored. The Lady Lions led the rest of the game.
The Lady Lions dominated early and led 21-7 after the first quarter, but the Devilettes fought back. MVSU opened the second quarter with a 10-1 run before Shephard hit a 3-pointer. MVSU’s Lizzie Walker hit a 3-pointer 21 seconds before halftime, sending the Devilettes into the locker room trailing only 33-29.
That was as close as MVSU would get. UAPB opened the second half on a 12-0 run, including two 3-pointers by Beck. MVSU had a 9-2 run later in the third quarter, but UAPB finished on a 7-0 run to lead 58-42 entering the fourth.
The Lady Lions held two 20-point leads in the fourth quarter, including a 76-56 edge with 49 seconds remaining. Reed gave MVSU a 3-pointer with two seconds remaining, but the game had long been decided.
This win, combined with Grambling State’s 71-63 loss to Jackson State, puts UAPB alone in second place in the SWAC. The Lady Lions travel to Prairie View A&M to play Monday night.