Bell scores 33 points to lead Arkansas-Pine Bluff past MVSU

Published

ITTA BENA, Miss. (AP) — Markedric Bell had a season-high 33 points as Arkansas-Pine Bluff defeated Mississippi Valley State 80-76 in a Southwestern Athletic Conference opener on Saturday.

Bell shot 10 for 11 from the foul line. He added eight rebounds.

Marquell Carter had 12 points and 14 rebounds for Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2-11, 1-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference), which broke its six-game losing streak. Dequan Morris added 11 points. Terrance Banyard had 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Golden Lions.

The Golden Lions trailed 31-25 at halftime and 39-30 early in the second half before a 17-2 run gave them a 47-41 lead with 11:31 remaining. Later in the half, they took the lead for good with an 11-0 run for a 73-62 advantage.

The Delta Devils drew within 78-76 on a pair of free throws by Michael Green with 39 seconds to go. Green missed jumpers on MVSU's next three possessions and the Golden Lions held on for the win.

Torico Simmons scored a career-high 23 points for the Delta Devils (1-13, 0-1), whose losing streak reached six games. Zachary Barnes added 15 points. Jordan Lyons had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff plays Alabama A&M on the road next Saturday. Mississippi Valley State plays Alabama State on the road next Saturday.