Preview: Alabama State Lady Hornets at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Golden Lions PINE BLUFF, Ark. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum to open the new year and Southwestern Athletic Conference play will meet Thursday when the Alabama State Lady Hornets visit the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Golden Lions. The women’s NCAA Division I matchup at the HPER Complex features teams with identical 3-win records looking to reset after challenging non-conference schedules. Alabama State (3-8) enters on a two-game skid, including a 109-41 loss at then-LSU on Dec. 28. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-7) last played on Dec. 18, falling 67-43 at Tulsa. A key matchup will be between forwards Charlese McClendon of Alabama State and UAPB’s Jailah Pelly. McClendon is coming off a team-high seven-rebound performance against LSU and scored 10 points in the Lady Hornets’ most recent victory, a 59-53 win over South Carolina State on Dec. 12. Pelly has been a consistent scorer for the Lady Golden Lions, averaging 12.7 points over her last three games, including a 17-point outing in a loss at TCU on Dec. 16. Both teams have struggled against high-major opposition but have shown the ability to secure wins against regional foes. Alabama State’s victories have come against South Carolina State, Auburn Montgomery and Talladega. UAPB’s wins include an 85-51 rout of Arkansas Baptist and a notable 69-64 road victory at Memphis to open the season. For Alabama State, contributions beyond McClendon will be vital. Alanah Pooler added eight points and six rebounds against LSU. UAPB will look for secondary scoring behind Pelly; Khaniah Gardner and Jasmine Davis combined for 20 points in the loss to Tulsa. This contest begins a critical stretch as both programs dive into the SWAC schedule. Alabama State visits Mississippi Valley State on Saturday. Arkansas-Pine Bluff hosts Alabama A&M that same day. Thursday’s tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CST at the HPER Complex.