Lady Braves fall to Arkansas-Pine Bluff despite rally

Pine Bluff - A loose ball foul charged to Alcorn State University (1-5, 3-13) with 2 seconds to go put the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-4, 4-12) in the position to escape with a last second 71-69 victory Monday night in the H.O. Clemmons Arena.
 
The first quarter started off slow, a bucket was not made until the 8-minute mark. The slow pace continued throughout the first quarter.
 
NORIANNA HAYNES came off the bench for the second game in the row and gave the Lady Braves a much needed spark, scoring the first 11 points for Alcorn State despite being double and triple teamed.
 
The Lady Braves and the Lady Lions traded baskets all the way through intermission.
 
UAPB reversed the trend in the third quarter by slowly building a 10-point lead. The Lady Lions were able to maintain the lead throughout the third quarter. Alcorn came back and got within one (57-56) on an ASHTIN MCNICHOLS 3-point shot. UAPB scored nine straight points to regain a 10-point advantage with 3:21 left in regulation.
 
Once again, Alcorn State put together a drive of their own by scoring 12 straight points and taking the lead on a BRIANNA LUTON 3-Pointer with less than 50 seconds left in the game.
 
The lead changed three more times in a 37 second span. UAPB tied the game with 13 seconds left on a pair of free throws. 
 
Alcorn State missed a 3-Pointer with 9 seconds on the clock. A foul was called as players from both squads hit the floor for the loose ball near the sideline. The Lady Lions took advantage and hit both free throws to take a two-point lead with 1.3 seconds left on the clock. A desperation heave went wide to end the game.
 
Haynes recorded her sixth double-double of the season, scoring a game high 30 points and recorded a team high 11 rebounds.
 
Tori Spann was also a key contributor for Alcorn, netting 13 points and four rebounds. HENRIETTA WELLS earned six points, three assists and three blocks.
 
Alcorn State will be back on the hardwood Saturday, Jan. 23 in the David L. Whitney Complex at 3PM. The Lady Braves will face the Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs at 3pm.