UAPB beats Memphis in big upset to open season

UAPB withdraws a miraculous victory over Memphis, scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter to record their first win of the season. The win marks UAPB’s first win against Memphis since November 2011 and was secured by a stunning 25-10 surge in the final quarter. The Lady Lions went into halftime trailing by 10 points, 36-26, before their fourth quarter barrage clinched the win.

UAPB’s win was fueled by two dominant individual performances from the backcourt. Junior guard India Bowen led all scorers, finishing the game with 29 points and 9 rebounds. Bowen was very efficient, hitting three 3-pointers and knocking down eight free throws in 12 attempts.

Bowen got a lot of support from Jayle Pelley, who had a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, along with three steals and two 3-pointers. Both Bowen and Pelley combined to outscore the Memphis Tigers’ primary threats.

For Memphis, the effort was led by Che Harris, who finished with 19 points, and Daejah Richmond, who contributed 14 points and three steals. While Memphis held the lead for much of the contest – largely due to defense – the Lady Tigers struggled late to contain UAPB. Memphis held UAPB to just 3-of-17 shooting (17%) in the second quarter, leading to the difference at halftime. UAPB’s halftime adjustments paid off immediately, as they exploded in the fourth quarter, shooting 45% from the floor.

The Lady Lions were also dominant on the boards, scoring 19 second-chance points compared to Memphis’ eight, giving them a crucial extra possession that helped them stay in the game and eventually take the lead. Although Memphis had the edge in points off turnovers (20 points), the two teams were evenly matched in nearly every other metric, including fast break points (15-15) and points in the paint (30-26 in favor of Memphis).

This monumental victory is of vital importance to the UAPB program, which is currently in a rebuilding phase. The team is now led by new head coach Erika Leek, who has taken over after the departure of Dawn Thornton. Thornton, who secured an upset win over foe Arkansas State during his tenure, he is now the head coach at Alabama A&M.

This impressive win validates Coach Leake’s key additions through the recruiting and transfer portal, establishing the Lady Lions as a competitive force heading into SVAC conference play in January. Next up, the Lady Lions face the University of Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET.