PINE BLUFF, Ark — The season is heating up for the Arkansas-Pine Bluff women's basketball team, and they've flashed potential through 16 games.
Although the Golden Lions hold a 7-8 overall record, they've played six Power Five teams, including a 74-70 victory against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Dec. 10 in Fayetteville.
It was UAPB's first Power Five win in program history.
"It felt great," UAPB head coach Dawn Thorton said. "I think it was bigger than the program though. It felt great for the community. So many people embraced us after that win, so that's what was more rewarding for me. I got letters from old alums, so it felt good for the university and the city to have bragging rights."
UAPB started Southwestern Conference (SWAC) play 2-0 for the first time since the 2006-2007 season.
The Golden Lions shoot a league-leading 43.2% from the field and are guided by guards Coriah Beck and former McDonald's All-American Zaay Green.
Beck leads the SWAC in three-pointers made, averaging roughly two per game, while Green paces the conference in assists (6.5) and points per game (18.5).
"Just keep pushing, one game after the other," Green said. "Don't underestimate anybody in the SWAC because anybody can win. Just keep stacking wins. That's all we can do."
Green said the excitement around the Golden Lions is a different feeling.
"More people are recognizing who we are," Green said. "When we walk around, go to stores, they know us. They're just like, 'Oh, hey. You guys have been doing so good, and we are really proud of y'all.'"
UAPB will play Texas Southern on Saturday in its first SWAC road game of the year. Tip-off from the Health and Physical Education Arena in Houston begins at 3 p.m. Central.