The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (4-16) head to Texas Southern to take on the Tigers (7-11) in what should be a low-scoring game. Action begins at 8:30 pm ET on Monday, Jan. 25.
The Tigers enter this game hoping for similar success after topping Mississippi Valley State 75-60 on Saturday. Derrick Griffin played a pivotal role, recording his seventh double-double of the season with 16 points and 17 rebounds. The Golden Lions, meanwhile, are coming off a 45-44 win against Prairie View A&M on Saturday. JoVaughn Love had a good game for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, registering 11 points, eight rebounds, and one steal.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Texas Southern ranks 264th in possessions per game (67.6), while Arkansas-Pine Bluff is 302nd (66.7). Moreover, foul-shooting opportunities could prove to be quite rare for the Golden Lions. They are 342nd in the nation in FTA rate (27.2), while the Tigers are among the nation’s least foul-prone teams (allowing a rate of just 23.9, ranking third in the country).
Notes
The Texas Southern Tigers average 67.6 possessions and 1.040 points per possession in games this season. The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions average fewer possessions with 66.7, as well as fewer points per possession with .822.
The Texas Southern Tigers average an effective field goal percentage of 50.8% this season. The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions have a subpar record of 1-7 when opponents have an eFG% of 50.8% or greater.
On average, Texas Southern attempts 20.0 three pointers and Arkansas-Pine Bluff attempts 21.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Texas Southern Tigers have a 5-4 record while the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions have an abysmal 2-10 record.
On average, Texas Southern makes 4.3 steals per game. Arkansas-Pine Bluff is an abysmal 4-14 when it gives up at least 4 steals.
