GOLDEN LIONS FALL TO MSU

BY THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

If nothing else, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff women’s basketball team was consistent in a 94-52 loss to Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., on Tuesday.

UAPB shot 22.9 percent from the field in the first half and 23.1 percent in the second during a game in which the Bulldogs pulled away midway through the first half.

Arica Green led the Golden Lions (1-1) with 14 points and three steals. Ciara Shields added 10 points and two assists, while Tashayla Jackson had nine points.

Ava Walters led UAPB with nine rebounds.

In the Golden Lions’ season-opening 65-53 win over Texas-Pan American last Friday, coach Danny Evans was pleased with his team’s defensive effort. The Broncs made 47 percent of their shots, but were limited to only 45 attempts.

But on Tuesday, Mississippi State (1-0) shot often, and half of the time, it found the basket.

Playing in her first game for the Bulldogs Armelie Lumanu scored 20 points and had six rebounds. She was one of five Bulldog players to score in double figures.

Alexis Rack added 17 points, Mary Kathryn Govero 3, Tysheka Grimes came off the bench to score 12 and Chanel Mokango had 11.

Mississippi State shot 50 percent from the field, made 6 of 11 3-pointers, scored 31 points off turnovers and outscored UAPB in the paint 34-12.

UAPB will play Oklahoma State on Saturday in Stillwater, Okla., and Central Arkansas in Conway, Nov. 29.