PINE BLUFF, AR – Alcorn State women's basketball finished the regular season on a high note, defeating Arkansas-Pine Bluff 70-59 on Saturday afternoon at H.O. Clemmons Arena. The Lady Braves (12-17, 10-8 SWAC) used a dominant first quarter and a strong defensive effort to secure their tenth conference win and enter the SWAC Tournament with momentum.
Destiny Brown delivered a standout performance, posting a double-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks while shooting an efficient 10-for-13 from the field. Nakia Cheathman added 12 points and five rebounds, while
Zy'Nyia White chipped in nine points. Alcorn controlled the paint, scoring 44 points inside while forcing 19 turnovers to stifle the Golden Lions' offense.
The Lady Braves stormed out to a commanding lead in the first quarter, outscoring UAPB 23-9, but the Golden Lions fought back in the second to make it a two-point game at halftime. However, Alcorn responded in the third, regaining control and never allowing UAPB to get back within striking distance.
GAME RECAP
First Quarter – Alcorn 23, UAPB 9
- The Lady Braves came out firing, shooting 69.2% from the field in the opening frame.
- Brown dominated early, scoring eight first-quarter points while blocking two shots on the defensive end.
- Alcorn's defense forced seven turnovers in the quarter, limiting UAPB's scoring opportunities.
Second Quarter – Alcorn 32, UAPB 33
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff responded with a strong second quarter, outscoring Alcorn 24-9.
- The Golden Lions connected on four three-pointers in the period to erase Alcorn's early advantage.
- Cheathman hit a key jumper late in the quarter, but UAPB took a one-point lead into halftime.
Third Quarter – Alcorn 53, UAPB 43
- The Lady Braves regrouped after halftime, shooting 75% from the field in the third quarter.
- White knocked down a clutch three-pointer to help spark a 10-2 run for Alcorn.
- Brown continued her dominance inside, grabbing key rebounds and blocking two more shots.
Fourth Quarter – Alcorn 70, UAPB 59
- The Lady Braves held firm in the final period, never allowing UAPB to cut the deficit to single digits.
- Brown and Cheathman combined for nine points in the quarter, sealing the victory.
- Alcorn finished the game shooting 56% overall and 73.3% from the free-throw line.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 24 & 10 – Destiny Brown posted a dominant double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
- 12 – Nakia Cheathman added 12 points and five rebounds in a strong all-around effort.
- 44 – Alcorn controlled the paint, scoring 44 points inside compared to UAPB's 24.
- 10 – The Lady Braves forced 10 steals, capitalizing on UAPB's 19 turnovers.
- 56% – Alcorn had one of its best shooting performances of the season, finishing at 56% from the field.
UP NEXT
The Lady Braves (12-17, 10-8 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 Alabama A&M on Thursday, March 13. Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. CST. Fans can follow the action live via ESPN+.
