One half of the matchup of the 2018 Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship has been set. Arkansas-Pine Bluff advanced by defeating Southern 71-65 earlier this evening.
UAPB enjoyed a 19-11 lead before Southern blitzed them with a 19-4 run to put the Jaguars up 30-23. Southern would halve their advantage shaved to three,30-27, right before the break when Charles Jackson was fouled on a three-point attempt and cashed in all three free throws.
The second half was a see-saw affair that saw both teams take turns showing the way. The exploits of SWAC Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year Martaveous McKnight (scoring nine consecutive points) would ultimately put UAPB in control for good. Knight would end up with 28 points (10-15 FG), a game-high 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Travon Harper added 23 points (8-13 FG), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
Southern was led by Eddie Reese who had 17; Jared Sam added 13 and Emanuel Sheperd contributed 11 points.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff will take on the winner of the Texas Southern/Prairie View game Saturday at 4pm. The contest will air on ESPN2.
