UAPB faces North Alabama on 5-game losing streak
Arkansas–Pine Bluff heads to Florence with one clear mission: stop the slide. The Golden Lions, mired in a five-game skid, visit North Alabama on Monday at 7 p.m. EST, taking on a Lions squad that has yet to lose at home this season.
Setting the stage
North Alabama enters at 4-2 overall and a perfect 4-0 on its home floor, leaning on a balanced attack that yields 68.0 points per game. The Lions are hitting 39.0% from the field and sit eighth in the ASUN in scoring.
UAPB arrives at 1-5 and 1-4 away from home. The Golden Lions have struggled to keep pace, surrendering 78.0 points per contest and facing an average scoring margin of minus-27.7 during the current rough patch.
The matchup offers a contrast in comfort and form: North Alabama thrives in Florence, while UAPB continues searching for consistency and a spark to halt the slide.
Numbers that matter
- Shooting efficiency: North Alabama is converting 39.0% from the field this season. That figure is 4.6 percentage points lower than the 43.6% field-goal clip UAPB has allowed to opponents, suggesting opportunities for the Lions to find rhythm if they generate clean looks.
- UAPB’s accuracy: The Golden Lions are at 32.1% shooting on the year, slightly below the 33.7% that North Alabama typically allows its opponents. Closing that gap—particularly with higher-quality attempts early in possessions—could be a swing factor.
- Home/road split: UNA’s 4-0 home mark underscores a comfort level in pace and shot selection. UAPB’s 1-4 road record highlights the importance of a fast start and limiting opponent runs to keep the crowd from becoming a factor.
Players to watch
- North Alabama
- Alexsandra Alvarado: Team-leading 12.7 points per game with 3.5 rebounds, a steady creator who can break down defenses and draw contact.
- Sofia Ceppellotti: Averaging 1.5 made threes, her perimeter touch stretches defenses and opens driving lanes for teammates.
- Arkansas–Pine Bluff
- Indiya Bowen: Pacing UAPB at 13.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, Bowen’s on-ball aggression and mid-range game will be central to generating consistent offense.
- Jailah Pelly: Posting 13.0 points and 6.3 boards, Pelly provides interior scoring and second-chance opportunities—both vital for a team looking to stabilize its offense.
Keys to the matchup
- Tempo control: If North Alabama dictates pace and keeps the ball moving, their home-court rhythm could amplify the shooting advantage.
- Shot quality for UAPB: A focus on paint touches and inside-out play could boost efficiency, particularly if Pelly establishes herself early on the block.
- Defensive resistance: UAPB’s ability to contest without fouling and limit clean catch-and-shoot looks for Ceppellotti and company will be critical to prevent momentum swings.
- Rebounding margins: Limiting second chances on the road is essential; a strong glass effort from UAPB would help keep the game within reach.
Outlook
North Alabama’s undefeated home form and balanced scoring make the Lions the on-paper favorite. Still, if UAPB can tighten up defensively, nudge its shooting closer to UNA opponents’ average, and get leading contributions from Bowen and Pelly, the Golden Lions have a shot to snap the streak and reset their season’s trajectory.
Tip-off is set for Monday at 7 p.m. EST in Florence, Alabama.
