Alabama State 28, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 12: Hornets maintain SWAC East lead

PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- Tim Clark rushed for a career-high 106 yards and three touchdowns, and Alabama State spoiled Arkansas-Pine Bluff's homecoming game with a 28-12 win Saturday.

"Tim has that type of ability," ASU head coach Reggie Barlow said. "He's an elusive runner, protects well, and is a smart guy. He's one of our team leaders and I'm happy he played well today. He had a long run for us and those are the type plays we are going to need from these guys as we finish the season."



Devin Dominguez added 254 passing yards and a 51-yard touchdown pass to Nehemiah Henry for the Hornets (7-2, 7-1), who stayed in first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference's East division.

"This week we were really focused and wanted to come back out and put a good game together," ASU head coach Reggie Barlow said. "I thought in all three phases we did some positive things and we were able to come away with a victory."




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Game Notes: Alabama State Hornets vs. UAPB Golden Lions

Alabama State University vs. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Time: Today, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Golden Lion Stadium, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Listen Live on 90.7 WVAS FM
Alabama State Game Notes
2011 Hornet Football Media Guide

THE GAME: The Alabama State Hornets will play their final road game of the season when they face the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions in
a battle of two teams looking to get back on the winning track.

THE SERIES: This is the 13th meeting between the Hornets and Golden Lions, with Alabama State leading 7-5. Alabama State has won six straight meetings between the teams, including last season’s 38-31 win in Montgomery.

LAST TIME OUT: Both teams lost last week. Alabama State had a nine-game SWAC winning streak end, losing to Alabama A&M 20-19. UAPB lost at home to Grambling State 27-20.

STILL IN THE HUNT FOR THE EAST CROWN: The Hornets’ loss to the Bulldogs
last week puts Alabama State in the position to win and need help to repeat
as Eastern Division champions. The Hornets need to finish ahead of Alabama
A&M in the standings to win the title, as the Bulldogs hold the head-to-head
tie breaker over Alabama State.

LAST ROAD GAME:  This Saturday’s game in Arkansas is the final contest
outside the state of Alabama for the 2011 season. The Hornets will conclude
the regular season schedule with home games vs. Southern Nov. 12 and
Tuskegee in the Turkey Day Classic Nov. 24.

POLL POSITIONS: After ascending to the top of several Black College Football poll at the beginning of October, last week’s loss moved the Hornets from the top spot. Alabama State is now ranked second in the Urban News Poll, fourth in the HSRN.com poll, fifth in the Boxtorow.com media poll, and sixth in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network poll. After being ranked 16th last week, Alabama State fell out of the FCS Sports Network/Fathead.com Top 25.



NOTABLES
• QB Devin Dominguez’ 59-yard touchdown run was the longest of his career
and the longest rushing play of the season for Alabama State.
• WR Nick Andrews had the fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season and
his 134 receiving yards was his third-highest total of the season. Andrews’
nine receptions was one short of his career high.
• FS Kejuan Riley has made interceptions in back-to-back games for the
second time this season (Sept. 17 vs. Grambling; Sept. 24 at Jackson State).
• With one takeaway against Alabama A&M, the Hornets have forced at
least one turnover in 27 straight games (73 takeaways over that time: 30
fumbles/43 INTs).
• LB Brandon Slater made a career-high 13 tackles, while CB Donovan
Masline made a season-high eight tackles.
• LB Demarques Taylor has made at least 10+ tackles in three consecutive
games.
• K/P Wenzig averaged 51.0 yards on three punts, including a season-long
69-yarder.

By Duane Lewis, Sports Information Director/Football, Alabama State University

Melee erupts shortly after UAPB celebrates victory over SU

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas - What started as a celebration for Arkansas-Pine Bluff after its thrilling 22-21 victory Saturday night over Southern soon turned ugly after the final play, with swinging helmets, thrown punches, fans throwing soda bottles and some coaches and players getting hit with pepper spray.

The game had a wild finish preceding the fracas.

First, UAPB took a 22-15 lead on a 14-play, 79-yard drive ending with a Dennis Jenkins touchdown run and two-point conversion pass with 1:30 remaining.

Then, Southern completed a mad drive for what looked like it would be a game-tying score. The 76-yard, seven-play drive ended with no time on the clock when quarterback Dray Joseph found Sylvester Nzewke on an 11-yard throwback screen to get the Jaguars within 22-21, pending an extra point.

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With 5 unanswered TDs, JSU Tigers post another blowout win

Jackson, Mississippi -- Still frustrated and fired up about Jackson State's loss two weeks ago to Alabama State, Rodrick Gladney looked around at his celebrating teammates after a second straight trouncing Saturday and uttered these words.

"If Alabama State came in here tomorrow," JSU's left guard said, "we'd beat those boys."

He probably won't get many arguments on that - not after the last two weeks, the last two games, the last eight quarters. Jackson State roughed up a second straight league foe Saturday, whipping Arkansas-Pine Bluff 48-10 in front of an announced homecoming crowd of 38,722 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

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'Mule' kicks Lions' goal-line try

Donovan Robinson calls it "Mule."

It's a defensive play call in which both of Jackson State's defensive ends crash toward the middle of the offensive line. When Arkansas-Pine Bluff faced a fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line on its first drive of the game, guess what it was called? Yep, mule.

Robinson and opposite defensive end Joseph LeBeau crashed into the middle of the line stuffing Ben Anderson's QB sneak for no gain and setting quite the tone in JSU's 48-10 win over the Golden Lions on Saturday.

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UAPB Lions simply couldn't keep up with JSU's Richardson

Asked why and how he got so wide open during Jackson State's 48-10 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday, Rico Richardson smiled. "I think I'm the fastest in the country," he said. "That's how I feel." One can't blame him too much - not on this day.

Richardson, JSU's speedy junior receiver, caught five passes for a whopping 174 yards, scored on two long touchdowns and drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone that set up a third-quarter score. The Golden Lions just couldn't keep up.



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Jackson State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff

When: Today, 4 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson
Television: None
Radio: WHLH-95.5 FM in Jackson

Last meeting: Jackson State won 52-30 last year

History: All-time series: Jackson State leads 20-11

Scouting the Golden Lions: Keep an eye on...

Ben Anderson, Quarterback: Anderson ranks only behind JSU QB Casey Therriault in the league for passing yards a game at 200. He's completed 53 percent of his passes for 1,025 yards.

Unit that could give the Tigers fits: Receivers

If there's a weakness on JSU's defense it's been pass coverage. The Tigers, who lack depth, are fifth in the league, allowing 195 yards a game. Pine Bluff has three receivers with 200 yards or more - Desmond Beverly, Rontrell Bailey and Jevon Dixon.



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UAPB Sports Weekly

Alabama A&M Bulldogs pull off improbable comeback over UAPB

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Vandrick Jackson did a few cartwheels across the field. Clarence Morris struck a pose near the scoreboard. Several other Alabama A&M players celebrated in their own way. Meanwhile, in all of the excitement, Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones kneeled down to say thanks.

The Bulldogs had plenty of reasons to be thankful. Trailing by 20 points entering the fourth quarter, Alabama A&M put together a comeback for the ages.

Quarterback Deaunte Mason threw four touchdown passes to G'Alonzo Milton, including the game-winner with 57 seconds as A&M scored 21 unanswered points to pull off an improbable 28-27 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff before an announced crowd of 5,136 at Louis Crews Stadium.

"We played with a great sense of urgency in the fourth quarter," Jones said. "Sometimes you have to get punched in the face before you realize you're in a fight. We got punched in the face in the third quarter. The way our guys responded is darn near a miracle."

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Gateway Classic: Arkansas-Pine Bluff 9, Clark-Atlanta 7

ST. LOUIS, MO -- Adrian Moore ran for 155 yards and Arkansas-Pine Bluff edged Clark Atlanta 9-7 on Saturday in the Gateway Classic at the Edward Jones Dome.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-1) scored on its first possession, capped when Stephen Jones ran 14 yards for a touchdown. But the Golden Lions couldn't get in the end zone again, despite gaining 475 yards in the game. Moore had a 73-yard run to the Clark Atlanta 20-yard line in the second quarter, but Chris Ewald, who missed the extra point after Jones' TD, missed a 30-yard field-goal attempt. Arkansas-Pine Bluff was also penalized 13 times for 115 yards.

Ewald did make a 33-yard field goal in the third quarter, making the score 9-0, and that was enough to hold on against the Division II school. Clark Atlanta (2-2) scored with 6:58 remaining on Davis Anderson's 3-yard run.








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Arkansas-Pine Bluff gets a huge road win against Prairie View

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas- The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff's victory over the Prairie View A&M Panthers can simply be described as amazing. The Golden Lions battling through several first half miscues to steal a victory on the road against a Panthers team looking to keep their title aspirations alive in what looks to be a SWAC race that will go down until the final week of conference play.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff fell behind 19-7 going into intermission after a first half in which the Golden Lions gave up three safeties triggered by the injury of long snapper Patrick Wray.

Down by twelve to start the first half the Golden Lions cut into the deficit after a 16-yard Desmond Beverly touchdown reception from Ben Anderson at the 11:33 mark of the third quarter.

The Panthers would counter with two consecutive scores of their own scoring on a 26- yard Chris Barrick field goal followed by a three yard touchdown pass by Jerry Lovelocke to Idowu Olatunde giving Prairie View its largest lead of the contest at 29-14 late in the third quarter.

Down by fifteen points with their backs against the wall the Golden Lions dug deep virtually dominating the game on both sides of the ball from that point.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff's defense pitched a shut-out in the second half while the offense under the direction of Anderson kept the Panthers defense on their toes with big conversions and timely plays.

UAPB's amazing comeback quest began at the start of the fourth quarter when Anderson found Beverly for an 18-yard TD pass marking the quarterback-wide receiver combinations' second touchdown strike of the game.

From that point the offensive front of the Golden Lions took over the game imposing their will on a tired and over matched Panthers' front seven while opening up huge holes for Arkansas-Pine Bluff's ground attack. Running back Stephen Jones capped of a 12 play 76 yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run at the 7:27 mark of the fourth quarter.



Still down by two-points the Golden Lions coaching staff opted to go for two in an attempt to tie the game. After a fumbled snap in the shotgun formation Anderson was able to recover the snap and run it in from three yards out bringing the Golden Lions fans at Blackshear Stadium to their feet as UAPB tied the game at 29 all in the fourth quarter.

On the ensuing Panthers possession the Golden Lions defense perhaps came up with their biggest play of the game as Jarvis Webb intercepted a Lovelocke pass attempt setting the offense up with good field possession with 3:00 remaining on the game clock.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff methodically drove the ball down into the Panthers red zone highlighted by a running game that would not be denied. Jones punched in the final score of the game with 24 seconds left in to play giving the Golden Lions their first lead of the contest at 36-29 after a successful Chris Ewald extra point. The game clinching touchdown run by Jones' marked his third TD rush of the game.

The defense held the Panthers scoreless on their final possession of the game as a desperation Lovelocke pass into the end zone was batted down by the UAPB secondary.

The win marked head coach Monte Coleman's first victory over Prairie View A&M since taking over UAPB's football program. It was also the first Golden Lions win over the Panthers since 2007.

'Our players never gave up,” said UAPB head coach Monte Coleman. “We fell behind early in the game but we never lost focus. At halftime we told our players to execute and stick with the game plan. In the second half our defense, running game, and the composure of Ben Anderson helped us pull out this victory.”

The Golden Lions will travel to St. Louis this weekend to participate in the Gateway Classic where they will face Clark-Atlanta in non-conference action. Kick-off is set for 3:00 pm at the Edward Jones Dome.

By UAPB Sports Information

UAPB Golden Lions rally to take a 27-20 victory over Alcorn State

PINE BLUFF, Ark.- After falling behind 20-10 going into intermission the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff football team (1-1, 1-0 SWAC) knew they would have to put together a solid second half in order to capture a win over the Alcorn State Braves (0-2, 0-2 SWAC).

The Golden Lions did just that rallying with 17 unanswered points in the games' final two quarters capturing a thrilling come from behind victory over Alcorn State on Saturday night.



The spark UAPB needed came in the form of a dominating running game that found new life in the second half. In all Arkansas-Pine Bluff rushed for 238 rushing yards on 47 attempts led by Adrian Moore's 130 yard rushing performance.

“Moore, Jones, and Jenkins played outstanding tonight, said UAPB head coach Monte Coleman. “And our defense was able to rise to the challenge that we set before them at halftime.”

The Golden Lions defense continued to apply pressure to Alcorn State's Brandon Bridge in the second half keeping the quick, agile sophomore on the run the majority of the evening.



“Bridge is an amazing athlete,” said Coleman. “He actually got my vote for Preseason Player of the Year. We told our guys that in order to be successful against him pressure would be the key and we were able to generate that pressure with consistency in the second half.”


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UAPB Athletics Announces Staff Additions

Pine Bluff, AR - The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Department of Athletics has announced the additions of Nyeshia Aldridge and Christopher McCoy for the 2011-12 athletic season.

Aldridge has been named interim head volleyball coach while McCoy is set to take over the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Cross Country and Track and Field programs serving as head coach for both the men's and women's programs.

Last season Aldridge served as an assistant coach for the Lady Lions volleyball team. Arkansas-Pine Bluff finished the regular season in second place in the SWAC's Western division marking the programs highest finish in school history.

The Texas native played a significant role in the programs overall operations assisting with running practices in addition to providing instruction on the court. Under the direction of Aldridge UAPB's Britta Wilmers was named to the 2010 SWAC All-Conference team while also being named the conference Player of the Week (9/20-9/24).

Prior to being named head coach Cross Country and Track and Field coach at UAPB McCoy spent three years as an assistant coach with the Hampton University women's track & field program. His responsibilities included coaching the sprint athletes, while also implementing the team's strength and conditioning programs.

Before arriving at Hampton, McCoy spent three years (2006-09) as an assistant track & field coach at Bethune-Cookman University, while also serving as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach for the Wildcats. At Bethune-Cookman, he coached sprints, hurdles, jumps, throwing events and multi events, while also designing and implementing the teams' strength and conditioning programs.

He began his coaching career at St. Augustine's as a part-time assistant for three years, before he moved on to Murray State where he served as a graduate assistant and coached jumpers and hurdlers in 2002 and 2003. McCoy returned to St. Augustine's from 2003-04, where he served as assistant track & field coach and assistant strength and conditioning coach.

McCoy graduated from St. Augustine's College in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in Human Performance and Wellness. While at St. Augustine's, McCoy primarily ran the 200-meter dash and 400-meter dash, and he earned All-CIAA honors six times. He was also named an NCAA Div. II All-American in the 400-meter dash and the 4x400-meter relay.

A native of West Memphis, Ark., McCoy is a member of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, and he is a certified Level I and II coach; he earned the designation in sprints, hurdles and relays in 2005, and in jumps in 2007.

By University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Sports Information
VISIT: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS at PINE BLUFF
VISIT: UAPBLIONSROAR

UAPB now a SWAC title contender?

Pine Bluff, Ark. - Having spent his childhood in Arlington, Texas, with freeways and skyscrapers that seemed to stretch on forever, Colton Jones had plenty to enjoy. Even late into the night, Jones could find a hot hamburger, a cold milkshake and, in all likelihood, a pro sporting event nearby. Then, at 18 years old, Jones headed to Pine Bluff, Ark., which was, suffice it to say, a little different.

“You just have to get used to the atmosphere, the people around town, everything,” said Jones, now a fifth-year senior and a mainstay on the Arkansas-Pine Bluff offensive line. “The surroundings are very different between home and Pine Bluff. It was hard at first, but I’m a survivor. Basically, you adapt to your circumstances.”

Now, that trait might come in handy again.

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Three Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions Sign NFL Contracts

PINE BLUFF, Ark.- University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff football players Raymond Webber, Ibrahim Abdulai, and Arthur Thomas have signed free agent contracts with the NFL.

Webber will join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Abdulai and Thomas have signed to play for the New York Giants and the St. Louis Rams respectively.

“As a coaching staff we could not be happier to hear the news that Webber, Abdulai, and Thomas will be able to continue their careers in the NFL,” said UAPB head coach Monte Coleman. “All three young men have put in the hard work necessary to achieve their goals and with continued work at improving themselves as players I expect to see all of them heavily contributing on their respective teams in the near future.”

NFL teams are expected to begin training camps in the upcoming days as a deal was reached ending the lockout on Monday.

“I'm excited to get going and for training camp to start,” said UAPB's Webber. “While I was disappointed that I didn't get drafted I knew with hard work and persistence I would get my chance to showcase my abilities at the next level some day.”

For Webber, Abdulai, and Thomas that day has arrived as they headline the list of collegiate football players from HBCU's to sign free agent contracts.

By UAPB Golden Lions Athletics

VISIT: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF

VISIT: UAPBLIONSROAR

Where Are They Now? UAPB's Sidarren Freeman/Jackie Skipper

Newly-wed Sidarren Freeman now living by Madden rules

Bastrop, LA — Sidarren Freeman, Bastrop High’s co-offensive line coach, married the former Tonia Madden on Friday, July 22.

Balancing football and marriage is no easy feat, especially with the long hours coaches put in during the season. Freeman says he did his explaining before saying “I do,” and that his bride fully understands what she was getting into by marrying a coach. “I explained that to her,” Freeman laughed.

Freeman “celebrated” his one week anniversary by joining the Rams at the National Select 7-on-7 Championships in Hoover, Ala. Freeman is sharing the offensive line duties with former college teammate Jackie Skipper. A former Ram and Division I-AA Rimington Trophy winner, Skipper has rejoined the Bastrop High staff after a couple of years away.

“Jackie and I have been friends...

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6:30 p.m. CT- TONIGHT on ESPNU: Alcorn State hungry for a win vs.University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff

LORMAN, MS — After three consecutive losses, the Alcorn State Braves are hungry to get a win. And getting that win on national television would be even sweeter.

The Braves will host Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 6:30 p.m. Thursday night in a game that will be televised on ESPNU. This will be the second year in a row Alcorn State’s game against Pine Bluff will be televised on a Thursday night.

Alcorn seeks to bottle up Pine Bluff's dynamic WR Webber‎

In the national spotlight, the last thing Earnest Collins wants is for his Alcorn State team to be embarrassed. Then the Braves better stop Raymond Webber, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff receiver who leads the conference and the nation in most receiving categories. "That type of kid," Collins said, "you never know when he can explode on you."

When Alcorn (3-3, 2-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) hosts Pine Bluff (3-3, 2-2) at 6:30 tonight in a nationally televised conference clash on ESPNU, the Braves have to stop one of the most prolific receivers in the Football Championship Subdivision.

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UTEP Miners wear down UAPB Lions 31-10

El Paso, TX - UTEP has been rather inconsistent in its openers under Mike Price, but there has been a common thread in those seven games -- when the Miners outclass their opponent, they muddle through.

A Donald Buckram-less UTEP certainly didn't outclass the FCS's Arkansas-Pine Bluff as badly as it hoped Saturday, but the Miners' superior talent and numbers finally wore down the feisty Golden Lions for a 31-10 victory. Price improved to 4-3 in openers in front of 30,029 fans and UTEP came away with a list of things to fix.

"It was a good way we won it. It was a little bit frustrating at times, a lot of opportunities blown, particularly the first half. But we stuck together and that's good," Price said. "It was a good win because we're not fat and sassy. We've got a lot of work to do and the kids know that." The new 4-3 defense, after giving up an embarrassing 80-yard touchdown drive to UAPB to start the game....



Photo Gallery: UTEP Miners defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff

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UAPB Golden Lions and UTEP Miners kickoff 2010 campaign at the Sun Bowl

The UTEP football team opens its 93rd season at home Sept. 4 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. While UTEP hasn’t won a home opener since 2007, they are 3-3 in season openers during the coach Mike Price era. The Miners come off a 2009 season in which they were 4-8 overall and 3-5 in Conference USA. UTEP has never faced the Golden Lions before. The Miners who play in the Football Bowl Subdivision don’t have to look too far to know that playing a team in a lower division can still be a challenge.

“New Mexico State beat us a couple of years ago and beat Pine Bluff by only three points so I’m the most concerned with us,” said Price. “I want to see us play to our best against every team and play the best we can every time we come out. Its just different colored uniforms, it doesn’t matter if its Pine Bluff or Fayetteville (University of Arkansas) you have to play the best you can.”



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UAPB Golden Lions Look for Reversal of Fortune

PINE BLUFF, AK — A year ago, UA-Pine Bluff was anxiously awaiting the opening of the football season hoping some late success from the previous fall would carry over into a big 2009. Just the opposite is true this year. UAPB is looking forward to the season, but hoping it starts much better than how 2009 ended.

In Coach Monte Coleman’s second year as head coach, after previously serving as Mo Forte’s defensive coordinator, his Golden Lions stubbed their toes late in the season after a 4-2 start that included a monumental 20-13 overtime win at Jackson State.

Starting with a home loss against Southern, UAPB dropped three of its last four games. Even Texas Southern got the better of the Golden Lions in Dallas’ Cotton Bowl Stadium at season’s end, 14-10. A 49-42 win over Grambling State in Little Rock in that four-game stretch could not mask the overall disappointment within the program in the last month.



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UAPB Head Coach Monte Coleman talks about Golden Lions football team‎

The UAPB Golden Lions finished up spring practices with their annual scrimmage two weeks ago. Now Arkansas Pine Bluff is focused on the fall. UAPB lost their last two game of the 2009 season to finish with a record of 5-5. The Golden Lions open the season on the road against Texas El Paso. Friday afternoon head coach Monte Coleman called in to talk to Wess Moore. Click on the video button to see their conversation.

NCAA: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 44, Duke 73

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ends first NCAA Tournament experience with a 1-1 record, defeating Winthrop and falling to Duke 44-73.

Duke outmuscles UAPB

From the tip you could see that UAPB's lack of size would be an issue for the Golden Lions. They were outrebounded in this game 24-41, and that proved to be the difference in the game. Duke wins 73-44. In the first half, scoring points took a backseat to fouls as UAPB found themselves with several players in foul trouble before the midway point. The Duke Blue Devils looked untouchable as they shot 44 pct. from the field in the first half. Kyle Singler led the way with 13 points and 6 rebounds.

As for the Golden Lions, Terrance Calvin shot 66 pct. from the field and scored 7 of UAPB's 20 first half points. They were outrebounded in the first half 20-11 and committed 13 personal fouls. Duke led by 19 at halftime. In the second half it was much of the same for the Blue Devils. UAPB came out in a zone and shot the ball well but once again could not get to the freethrow line. Singler led Duke with 22 points and 10 rebounds. The Blue Devils shot 28 freethrows for the game to the Golden Lions 7. No one on the Golden Lions roster scored in double figures.

Those "Enormously Heartening" Golden Lions

A friend and wise man posted this Facebook status update after UAPB won the NCAA play-in game on Tuesday:

"There was something enormously heartening about watching the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions beat Winthrop tonight. It reminded me of why I used to love March Madness (TM) even back when UCLA was winning every year. A bunch of kids you never heard of who didn't get 20 D1 offers each playing their hearts out for a shot at Duke. Chances slim and none, but hey they can say they did it."

Hear, hear! As uninspiring as the Hogs were this past season, UAPB has been that inspiring and then some. Everyone loves a Cinderella story. Well, it doesn't get much more Cinderella than the Golden Lions. The never-ending road trip with which they began the season caught the attention of the New York Times' basketball blog and Sports Illustrated. And not only did the Golden Lions play their first 14 games on the road (with most of those opponents belonging to major conferences such as the ACC and Big 12), but they began the year 0-11. And yet, here they are. Pretty amazing.

Photo Gallery: More photos »

Top-seeded Duke cruises into second round in Jacksonville ...

Arkansas-Pine Bluff had the success you would expect from a No. 16 seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament — none. Duke, the top seed in the South region, built an early double-digit lead and coasted to a 73-44 victory over the overmatched Golden Lions on Friday night at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. No top seed has ever lost to a 16. “That didn’t cross our minds, the whole 1 vs. 16 thing,” said Duke senior guard Jon Scheyer, who scored 13 points. “We wanted to get a win and start it off right.”

Junior forward Kyle Singler led the Blue Devils with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Duke shot 51 percent from the floor and held Arkansas-Pine Bluff to 32percent. “Defensively, we were excellent,” said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who earned his 72nd NCAA Tournament victory, extending his NCAA record. “We’re more talented than they are, but I was happy with how my team played, and I’m happy that we’re moving on.” Duke (30-5) will advance to Sunday’s second round against eighth-seeded Cal or ninth-seeded Louisville. The tip-off time will be announced today.


Click HERE to watch UAPB vs. Duke.

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