By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Grambling State earned a 64-57 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff Thursday night in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup at H.O. Clemmons Arena in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
With this win, Grambling improved to 6-11 overall (3-3 SWAC), while Arkansas-Pine Bluff dropped to 2-14 overall (0-6 SWAC).
The Tigers and Golden Lions were evenly matched through the first half, ending the first quarter tied at 15 with Grambling holding a slim 33-31 lead at halftime.
Grambling gained momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Arkansas-Pine Bluff 20-15 to establish a seven-point lead heading into the final period.
Kahia Warmsley led the charge for Grambling, scoring a game-high 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Lydia Freeman added eight points to go along with nine rebounds.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff was led by D’Arrah Allen, who tallied 19 points and pulled down four rebounds to go with three assists. Stephanie Okowi contributed a double double with ten points and 11 rebounds.
Despite their best efforts, the Golden Lions couldn’t overcome Grambling’s dominance on the boards, where the Tigers held a 47-43 edge.
Grambling capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 14 points off offensive rebounds. The Tigers defensive effort was also noteworthy, holding Arkansas-Pine Bluff to 34.6% shooting from the field and forcing crucial turnovers late in the game.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State shot 33.3% from the field (22-of-66) and 38.9% from three-point range (7-of-18).
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff shot 34.6% from the field (18-of-52) and 38.5% from beyond the arc (5-of-13).
- Grambling out-rebounded UAPB 47-43, including a 21-15 edge on offensive boards.
- The Tigers converted 13-of-24 free throws (54.2%), while the Golden Lions made 16-of-26 (61.5%).
UP NEXT
Grambling State will travel to Itta Bena, Mississippi, to take on Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, January 25. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at the R.W. Harrison HPER Complex.