PINE BLUFF, AR -- In a riveting league basketball contest on Monday, Prairie View A&M women's basketball team got a 25-point performance from the bench on the way to a hard-fought 68-61 win against the Ark.-Pine Bluff Golden Lions at H.O. Clemmons Arena in Pine Bluff, AR.
The Panthers, demonstrated resilience and teamwork to come out on top, improving their season record to 4-9, which includes a 1-3 SWAC conference tally.
Throughout the game, the Panthers maintained a slight lead, concluding the first half with a score of 36-35. By the final whistle, their strategic plays and robust defense saw them widening the gap to secure the victory. Crystal Schultz was the leading scorer with 12 points, closely followed by Mikayla Hutchinson, who added 10 points and an impressive 8 rebounds. Other notable performances included Nyam Thornton, who contributed eight points and led assists with eight, and Adreanna Waddle, who dominated defensively with four blocks and seven rebounds.
With this win, the Panthers are gearing up for their next challenge against the Alcorn State Braves on January 16, 2025, at William J. Nicks Building in Prairie View, Texas. The team hopes to continue their winning momentum and improve their standing within the SWAC.
Prairie View A&M out-rebounded UAPB 38-31 in Monday's game, paced by Hutchinson's eight boards.
The Prairie View A&M defense was a problem in Monday's game, forcing 13 UAPB turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 16 points on the offensive end of the floor. Hutchinson's two steals led the way individually for the Panthers.
How It Happened
Prairie View A&M kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 18-15.
Prairie View A&M kept the Golden Lions from increasing their lead before going on a 9-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Schultz, to take a 27-21 lead. The Golden Lions cut into that lead, but the Panthers still enjoyed a 36-35 advantage heading into halftime. Prairie View A&M was strong from deep in the period, knocking down three three-point shots to account for nine of its 21 points.
After intermission, Prairie View A&M held on to its advantage and owned a 52-51 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Prairie View A&M played well near the basket, scoring eight of its 16 points in the paint.
The Golden Lions proceeded to tie things up at 54-54 before Prairie View A&M went on a 5-0 run, finished off by Cj Wilson's layup, to seize a 59-54 lead with 7:28 to go in the contest. The Panthers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 68-61 win. Prairie View A&M took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 16 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Panthers held the Golden Lions to only 39.2 percent shooting from the field.
» Prairie View A&M never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» The Panthers shared the ball well, recording an assist on 71 percent of made baskets.
» The Prairie View A&M bench made an impact by adding 25 points to its scoring output.
» Prairie View A&M had a 38-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Prairie View A&M defense forced 13 turnovers.
» The Panthers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying six blocks as a team.
» Crystal Schultz led the Panthers with 12 points.
» Prairie View A&M got a team-high eight rebounds from Hutchinson.
