Men's Basketball Falls In SWAC Road Opener At UAPB

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – A 30-16 scoring surge by UAPB over the final 13 minutes was the difference as the Golden Lions handed TSU a 70-66 road loss on Saturday afternoon.

TSU took control to open the game early as they led 16-8 but UAPB closed the gap to 16-13 a minute later. The Tigers regained control as they led by eight on several occasions throughout the first half while also stifling the Golden Lions defensively as they held them to only four field goals during a nine-minute span as the half came to an end en route to a 36-29 halftime lead.

The Golden Lions would draw to within 40-38 within the first four minutes of the second half but TSU withstood the charge and countered with a 12-2 run as John Walker III scored six points during the run as they led 52-40 with 12:46 left.

The game would flip over the next nine minutes as UAPB went 8-of-14 from the field while TSU only had one field goal and six turnovers which would result in a 62-all tie with 3:09 left. Both teams would score only one field goal from that point with the difference coming from the free throw line as UAPB went 8-of-10 to seal the win.

Davon Barnes led TSU with 22 points and four rebounds while Walker III scored 19 with 10 rebounds. Kehlin Farooq added 11 points and 12 rebounds followed by 10 from Zytarious Mortle.

TSU is back on action on Monday at Mississippi Valley State for a 7:30 p.m. start in Itta Bena, Miss.