In a shocking turn of events, Prairie View A&M pulled off a stunning upset over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, winning 73-61 at the William Nicks Building. The victory marked a significant upset, as Prairie View A&M, ranked 310 in the net rankings, took down Arkansas-Pine Bluff, ranked 302. The 12-point margin of victory was a reflection of the dominant performance by the Panthers, who outscored the Golden Lions 41-31 in the second half.
Cory Wells was the star of the show for Prairie View A&M, posting an impressive 21 points and 10 rebounds, while also dishing out 5 assists. His all-around performance was instrumental in the Panthers' victory, as he consistently made big plays on both ends of the floor. Dontae Horne and Lance Williams also made significant contributions, scoring 18 and 14 points, respectively, with Williams adding 5 rebounds and 7 assists to his tally.
For Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Alex Mirhosseini was the top performer, scoring 17 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Quion Williams also had a solid game, posting 15 points and 9 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Prairie View A&M. The Golden Lions struggled to contain the Panthers' offense, particularly in the second half, when Prairie View A&M shot 51% from the field.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with Prairie View A&M taking a narrow 32-30 lead into the break. However, the Panthers came out strong in the second half, using a 10-2 run to build a 10-point lead. Arkansas-Pine Bluff tried to mount a comeback, but Prairie View A&M's defense held strong, limiting the Golden Lions to just 31 points in the second half.
The upset victory has real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Prairie View A&M, the win is a much-needed boost, as it comes against a Quadrant 4 opponent. While it may not be a marquee victory, it's a win that the Panthers desperately needed to stay relevant in the conference. On the other hand, the loss is a setback for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, who also fell to a Quadrant 4 opponent. The Golden Lions must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for a tournament bid.
The victory is a reflection of the resilience and determination of the Prairie View A&M team, who have now improved to 8-13 on the season. While the win may not be a guarantee of future success, it's a significant step in the right direction for a team looking to make a late-season push. As for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the loss drops them to 7-13, and they must bounce back quickly to stay in the hunt for a tournament spot. For now, Prairie View A&M can savor the taste of a major upset, and the potential momentum it could bring to their season.