Ark.-Pine Bluff 51, Grambling St. 48

3/8/2007 8:31 PM

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -Terrance Calvin had 16 points to lead Arkansas-Pine Bluff to a 51-48 victory over Grambling State Thursday in the opening round of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.

The Golden Lions (12-18) led by as many as 15 points in the first half and were ahead by 10 at the intermission. But the Tigers (12-14) narrowed the lead in the second half, even managing to tie the score twice in the final minutes.

The Tigers' Jamal Breaux tied the score at 45-45 with 3:22 remaining in the second half. Jason Frierson scored on a jumper to help the Golden Lions retake the lead before Anthony Williams tied the score again at 47-47 with just 2:01 left to play.

George Davis scored with 36 seconds left to put Arkansas-Pine Bluff back in the lead, but Anthony Williams narrowed the Lions' lead to one when he hit a free throw. V'Angelo Smith made two free throws with nine seconds left to seal the Golden Lions' victory.

Calvin was the only double digit scorer for the Golden Lions, and William Byrd managed to snag 12 rebounds.

Emmanuel Calloway led the Tigers' three double figure scorers with a game-high 20 points. Andre' Ratliff and Kendric Baker added 11 points apiece.

The Golden Lions advance to face Jackson State in the SWAC Tournament semifinals at 2:30 p.m. Friday.