PINE BLUFF, Ark. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and a decisive second-half surge, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions overcame a high-scoring performance from Alabama A&M’s Kintavious Dozier to secure a 95-83 victory in a Southwest Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Saturday night at the HPER Complex.

The contest, witnessed by a crowd of 1,467, was a tale of two halves with identical first-half scores giving way to a dominant closing period by the home team. Both squads entered the break knotted at 41, but Arkansas-Pine Bluff erupted for 54 points after halftime while holding Alabama A&M to 42, pulling away for its fourth win of the season against 10 losses. Alabama A&M fell to an even 7-7.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the opening minutes of the second half. Arkansas-Pine Bluff guard Alex Mirhosseini, who finished with 16 points and five assists, set the tone immediately after the break. He connected on a 3-pointer just 8 seconds into the period and, after an Alabama A&M turnover, assisted on a Quion Williams dunk. Mirhosseini then hit another 3-pointer on the next possession, capping a personal 8-0 run that forced an Alabama A&M timeout just 45 seconds into the half. That blistering sequence transformed a tie game into a 47-41 Golden Lions lead, an advantage they would not relinquish.

The Golden Lions’ offensive execution was nearly flawless. They shot 57.1% from the field for the game, including a scorching 10 of 19 from 3-point range. They also converted 21 of 26 free throws. Their offensive rating of 137.0 points per 100 possessions underscored a highly efficient performance. Alabama A&M was also efficient offensively, posting a 131.1 rating, but could not match the Golden Lions’ firepower, particularly from beyond the arc where the Bulldogs shot just 4 of 17.

Dozier, a guard from Lanett, Alabama, was brilliant in defeat for Alabama A&M, scoring a game-high 26 points in 37 minutes. He was consistently aggressive, attacking the rim and drawing fouls. Forward PJ Eason of Dadeville, Alabama, added 16 points and was a force on the offensive glass. Koron Davis from Gary, Indiana, contributed 17 points for the Bulldogs.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff countered with a balanced and potent attack. Forward Jaquan Scott of Dallas led the Golden Lions with 24 points, while Quion Williams of Jonesboro, Arkansas, stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, five assists and critical defensive plays. Mirhosseini’s backcourt leadership and shooting from Arlington, Texas, proved pivotal. Milhan Charles of Bristol, Connecticut, provided 12 points and three assists, and Trevon Payton of Snellville, Georgia, chipped in 10 points.

Despite being outrebounded 18-9 on the offensive glass, which led to a 44-38 advantage for Alabama A&M in points in the paint, the Golden Lions compensated with superior shooting and ball security. Both teams committed 10 turnovers, but Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s ability to generate higher-quality shots—and make them—was the ultimate difference.

The win gives Arkansas-Pine Bluff momentum as it continues SWAC play. The Golden Lions will host Alabama State on Monday. Alabama A&M looks to rebound quickly, traveling to face Mississippi Valley State, also on Monday.