PINE BLUFF, AR – Alcorn State men's basketball closed out the regular season in dramatic fashion, defeating Arkansas-Pine Bluff 65-63 on Saturday afternoon at H.O. Clemmons Arena. The Braves (11-19, 11-7 SWAC) secured their fourth win in the last five games, using clutch free throws in the final seconds to hold off the Golden Lions (6-25, 3-15 SWAC).
Julian Lual led the Braves with 15 points, hitting three three-pointers while adding five rebounds and two blocks. Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt provided a crucial spark off the bench, finishing with 11 points and two steals, including the game-sealing free throws in the closing moments.
Michael Pajeaud recorded seven points, five assists, and three rebounds, while
Djahi Binet controlled the glass with nine rebounds and four points. Alcorn shot 46.2% from the field and connected on nine three-pointers in the victory.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, featuring 11 ties and nine lead changes. Alcorn held a slim three-point lead at halftime and built a seven-point cushion in the second half, but Arkansas-Pine Bluff stormed back to tie the game in the final minute. Gaines-Wyatt stepped up at the free-throw line with three seconds remaining, sinking both shots to give Alcorn the win.
GAME RECAP
First Half – Alcorn 33, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 30
- The Braves got off to a strong start, jumping out to a 10-7 lead behind early buckets from Lual and Pajeaud.
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff kept pace, tying the game at 19-19 with six minutes left in the half.
- Omari Hamilton provided a key lift off the bench, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to put Alcorn ahead.
- Alcorn's defense held the Golden Lions scoreless for the final two minutes to take a three-point advantage into the break.
Second Half – Alcorn 65, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 63
- The Braves opened the half with a 7-2 run, capped by a three-pointer from Lual to push the lead to 40-32.
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff responded with an 11-4 surge, cutting the deficit to one midway through the half.
- With under a minute remaining, the Golden Lions tied the game at 63-63 on a pair of free throws.
- Gaines-Wyatt was fouled with three seconds left and calmly knocked down both free throws to secure the win.
- The Braves' defense held strong on the final possession, contesting a desperation three-pointer as time expired.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 15 – Julian Lual led Alcorn with 15 points, hitting three three-pointers.
- 11 – Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt scored 11 points off the bench, including the game-winning free throws.
- 9 – Djahi Binet grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Braves on the boards.
- 14 – Alcorn forced 14 turnovers, converting them into 14 points.
- 26 – The Braves' bench contributed 26 points, providing key depth.
UP NEXT
The Braves (11-19, 11-7 SWAC) now shift their focus to the SWAC Basketball Tournament in Atlanta, GA, at the Gateway Center Arena. As the No. 6 seed, Alcorn will take on No. 3 Bethune-Cookman on Thursday, March 13. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. CST. Fans can follow the action live via ESPN+.
