As the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions head into the weekend, they are on a mission to put an end to a distressing 14-game road losing streak. Their next challenge? A formidable conference matchup against the Alcorn State Braves in Lorman, Mississippi. This encounter marks the first time these two teams will clash in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play this season and promises to be a thrilling battle on the court.
Alcorn State enters the game with a modest 5-17 overall record but has shown resilience by posting a 5-4 record within the SWAC. Their ability to leverage home-court advantage, standing at 3-2 in home games, provides them with a psychological boost against a team struggling away from their fans. They aim to capitalize on this momentum as they host the Golden Lions.
The Braves must watch their turnovers closely, averaging 13.6 turnovers per game, as their success hinges on mastering this aspect of the game. They are currently 2-3 this season when they have succeeded in winning the turnover battle, illustrating the importance of maintaining possession and controlling the game's tempo.
Conversely, the Golden Lions of UAPB, who have struggled significantly in the SWAC with a 1-8 record, are determined to redeem themselves. Despite their challenges on the scoreboard, they have excelled in the paint, leading the SWAC with an average of 38.3 points per game. This aggression under the basket is spearheaded by Dante Sawyer, who contributes an average of 9.5 points per game.
Scoring dynamics play a central role in this matchup, with Alcorn State averaging 62.4 points per game, somewhat below the 88.0 points UAPB has been conceding defensively. For the Golden Lions to claim victory, improving their defensive output will be crucial.
Among the key players to watch is Djahi Binet from Alcorn State, who brings reliability to the court with averages of 8.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His consistency, combined with Keionte Cornelius's impressive 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games, fortifies the Braves' game plan.
The Golden Lions, on their part, can take pride in the performance of Caleb Jones, who has been delivering an average of 1.5 made 3-pointers per game at a commendable 38.6% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. Furthermore, Doctor Bradley's outstanding influence in recent games cannot be overlooked, averaging an impressive 19.6 points, along with 8.7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.5 steals over the last ten games. His leadership and playmaking abilities are anticipated to play a vital role in UAPB's strategy.
A glance at recent form reveals the Braves are carrying a balanced 5-5 record across their last 10 games, boasting an average of 67 points per game alongside 30.9 rebounds, 10.1 assists, 6.9 steals, and 3.0 blocks. Meanwhile, the Golden Lions, grappling with a 2-8 record in the same period, demonstrate slight superiority in offensive stats by averaging 78.3 points per game, along with 34.7 rebounds, 16.8 assists, 7.6 steals, and 2.4 blocks.
This matchup is more than just another game; it's a testament to the competitive spirit of SWAC basketball and the determination of UAPB to finally reverse their misfortunes on the road.