The underdog made it to the top.
In a matter of 24 hours Arkansas-Pine Bluff gained its first trip to the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game.
The seventh seeded UAPB (13-15) did it with no star players. They received little support.
In fact, days earlier a simple walk through scenery in the corridors at the BJCC Arena gave motivation to the Golden Lions. Fans often visit booths stocked with team apparel.
“We noticed there were no UAPB merchandise for sale,” UAPB senior guard Martese Coleman said. “We said next year we’re going to have stuff for them to sale.”
Coleman scored 15 points and the Golden Lions triumphed over third seeded Grambling State 61-49 in the SWAC quarterfinals Friday night.
In 1967 UAPB tied three ways for regular season championship with Grambling and Alcorn.
The Golden Lions rejoined the conference in 1997.
Tomorrow night UAPB will face the winner of the Southern and Jackson State game.
“I told my guys we’re making history,” UAPB coach Van Hold said. “The game started pretty much like we didn’t want it. We started out very slow; we couldn’t get into an offensive rhythm. Grambling had a lot to do with that.”
Hold said after the half, the Golden Lions made a defensive adjustment.
At halftime Grambling led 29-26. The Golden Lions’ defense held Grambling to a 31.7 shooting percentage. They only made 19-of-60 shots.
UAPB tied the game up 36-36 off of a dunk by Jarvis Gunter at 13:10 and never trailed again. The last shot of the game by William Byrd was the icing on the cake as UAPB built their largest lead at 12 points.
“Pine Bluff was just a better basketball team,” Grambling coach Larry Wright Sr. said. “A lot of people who haven’t seen them play, they don’t understand. They played 10-11 people and all of them got it done.”
All ten of UAPB’s players saw action on the court. Eight had double digit playing time.
Coleman led in shooting for the Golden Lions. Followed by V’Angelo Smith with 10 points, Byrd added nine points, and Gunter scored eight points, grabbed 11 rebounds and three steals.
Donte’ Gordon scored the game high 17 points for Grambling.
