Bulldogs, Lady Golden Lions Open SWAC Play in Pine Bluff

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (Interstat) — Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s basketball play opens Saturday as Arkansas-Pine Bluff hosts Alabama A&M at the HPER Complex.

The matchup features two teams seeking momentum after challenging non-conference slates. The visiting Bulldogs (4-9) enter following a narrow 74-72 overtime road loss at Mississippi Valley State on Thursday. The Lady Golden Lions (3-7) have not played since a 67-43 defeat at Tulsa on Dec. 18.

Alabama A&M will lean on guard Kaila Walker, who logged 42 minutes and contributed 12 points and four assists in the overtime loss. Over her last five games, Walker is averaging 12.0 points and 3.2 assists per contest. She is complemented by post player Maori Davenport, who had 14 points against Mississippi Valley State, and guard Rakiyah Beal, who led the team with 15 points in that game.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff, which last played over two weeks ago, was led by Jailah Pelly and Khaniah Gardner in its most recent outing, each scoring 11 points against Tulsa. The Lady Golden Lions’ last victory was a 85-51 win over Ark. Baptist on Dec. 4. Their most notable result this season is a 69-64 road win at Memphis on Nov. 3.

Both teams have faced difficult road tests. Alabama A&M’s losses include setbacks at Minnesota, Cincinnati and Alabama. Arkansas-Pine Bluff has fallen to power-conference opponents Arkansas, TCU and South Dakota.

Saturday’s contest begins a critical conference stretch. Alabama A&M continues its SWAC schedule at home against Jackson State on Jan. 8. Arkansas-Pine Bluff hits the road for its next conference game at Texas Southern on Jan. 10.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon in Pine Bluff.