Preview: Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alabama State MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Arkansas-Pine Bluff squad will look to continue its climb in the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings when it visits struggling Alabama State on Saturday at Dunn-Oliver Acadome. The Golden Lions (11-13, 8-3 SWAC) have won five of their last six games, including a dominant 84-63 victory over Jackson State on Monday. They have been propelled by the stellar play of guard Quion Williams, who is averaging 21.4 points and 5.9 assists over his last seven contests. He scored 25 points in each of his last two outings. Alabama State (7-16, 4-7) seeks to halt a two-game skid after a heartbreaking 69-68 loss at Southern on Monday. The Hornets have lost five of their last seven games. Guard Micah Simpson leads the team, coming off a 19-point performance against Southern, but consistency has been an issue for a squad averaging just 71.2 points per game. The Golden Lions won the season’s first meeting handily, 90-79 at home on Jan. 5. In that game, Arkansas-Pine Bluff shot 51.7% from the field and forced 15 turnovers. Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s recent success has been built on efficient offense, scoring 80 or more points in four of its last five wins. Beyond Williams, contributors like Trevon Payton and Alex Mirhosseini provide scoring depth. Alabama State’s defense, allowing 76.3 points per game, will be tested. For the Hornets, finding secondary scoring behind Simpson is crucial. Damarien Yates (15 points vs. Southern) and Tyler Mack have shown flashes, but the team has struggled in low-possession games, as evidenced in a 57-47 loss at Grambling last week. The matchup pits one of the SWAC’s hottest teams against a home squad desperate to stabilize its season. Tipoff is set for Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in Montgomery.