Preview: Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Mississippi Valley State

AVALON, Miss. (Interstat) — Two SWAC men’s basketball teams on divergent tracks will meet Saturday when Arkansas-Pine Bluff visits Mississippi Valley State at the LeFlore County Civic Center.

The Golden Lions (7-13, 5-2 SWAC) enter with momentum from a last-second 75-74 road victory over Southern on Jan. 24. The Delta Devils (1-20, 1-6) are mired in a 10-game losing streak, most recently an 80-69 defeat at Southern on Wednesday.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff has found a rhythm in conference play, winning five of its last seven. Guard Quion Williams has been instrumental, averaging 18.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists over that stretch. He scored 23 points in the win over Southern and posted a triple-double with 16 points and 17 rebounds in a Jan. 10 victory at Texas Southern.

Mississippi Valley State’s struggles are underscored by its record, the lone win coming against Champion Christian on Dec. 13. Forward Daniel Mayfield has been a bright spot, coming off an 18-point, 15-rebound performance against Southern. His consistency has been limited, however, with single-digit scoring in three of his last six games.

The Golden Lions’ offense, averaging 78.2 points in SWAC games, will challenge a Delta Devils defense allowing 80.1 points per game in conference play. UAPB’s Trevon Payton, who had 22 points against Southern, provides a secondary scoring threat.

Mississippi Valley State will need more from its backcourt to keep pace. Xzayvion Childress (16 points) and Michael James (23 points) both played all 40 minutes in the last outing.

Historically, the teams split their two meetings last season, each winning on its home court. They are scheduled for a rematch in Pine Bluff on Feb. 28.

For the Delta Devils, the game represents a chance to halt their skid and gain ground in the SWAC standings. For the Golden Lions, it is an opportunity to solidify their position in the upper tier of the conference and continue their recent surge.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.