GSU Tigers survive 31-26 scare against Golden Lions on Senior Day

[Seminole Indian]

PINE BLUFF, Ark - The Golden Lions gave Grambling State University all it could handle during Senior Day in front of over 4,000 fans as the Tigers squeezed by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff by the score of 31-26 at Golden Lion Stadium. UAPB held Grambling to just three second half points.

UAPB (2-7, 1-4 SWAC) started off on the opening drive with a field goal from kicker/punter Jamie Gillan, but Grambling answered back later in the quarter with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Devante Kincade to Jordan Jones. UAPB's Brandon Duncan responded back with an 15-yard touchdown pass to Kolby McNeal to bring the score to 10-7 in favor of the Golden Lions. Minutes later, the Tigers countered with another touchdown pass from Kincade as he found Darrell Clark in the end zone right before the end of the opening quarter which gave Grambling a 14-10 lead.

In the second quarter, Gillan connected on a 34-yard field goal to cut Grambling's lead to just one point. The score remained 14-13 nearly throughout the second quarter until Grambling scored on a 3-yard touchdown run by Martez Carter. On the play prior to the score, Grambling (8-1, 5-0 SWAC) wide receiver Clark brought in a questionable catch that seemed to hit the ground before reaching his hands, but officials ruled it a catch, giving Grambling a 21-13. Minutes later, Kincade threw yet another touchdown pass, this time to Marquise Kaigler as Grambling led 28-13 at halftime.

Just before the half, Duncan scrambled for a first-down run and was leveled by Grambling defender Kendall Hill while sliding to the ground. Duncan was knocked out of the game and Hill was ejected for targeting.

In the second half, Gillan connected on yet another field goal, this time from 35-yards, cutting Grambling's lead to just 12. The fourth quarter proved to be close as McNeal caught his second touchdown pass of the afternoon, this time from UAPB's back-up quarterback Marcus Terrell which brought the score to 28-23. Then the Tigers and Golden Lions exchanged field goals before the final whistle, giving Grambling its 15th straight Southwestern Athletic Conference victory. The Tigers have now won 24 out of its last 25 games.

Duncan and Terrell finished with 89 and 84 yards passing respectively and both threw one touchdown pass apiece. Duncan also led the team in rushing yards with 86 while teammate McNeal finished with five catches, 61 yards and two touchdowns. Kicker/punter Gillan nailed four of five field goals for the Golden Lions, who lost its fifth game in a row dating back to September 30 when it suffered a 27-14 loss at Alabama A&M.

The Golden Lions football team returns to action on Saturday, November 11 as it travels to Texas to face Prairie View A&M. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Panthers Stadium.

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