Andre Payne put the future of Mississippi Valley State’s season on the shoulders of his seniors, and they responded in a must-win game.
Seniors Isaac Williams and Marcus Romain pumped in 28 and 23 points, respectively, as Valley beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 88-77 Saturday in Itta Bena to qualify for the SWAC Tournament.
“I told our seniors that the future of this team was on them, and they stepped up to the call,” said Payne, the third-year MVSU head coach.
Senior TaJay Henry added 15 points and had a team-high nine rebounds, while senior Rashaan Surles had 15 points, six boards, three assists and two steals.
“It was a great senior night for all of us,” Surles said, “and that’s how you hope to go out at home. It was great our families could be here for this one.”
The Delta Devils (7-24, 7-11 SWAC) ended the regular season with a three-game win streak and ended UAPB’s year at 7-24, 6-12 — since only the top eight teams advance to the conference tournament.
It was the sixth straight loss for the Golden Lions.
Valley will play Tuesday in the first round at either top seed Texas Southern or No. 2 seed Alcorn State.
Romain said he expects the Delta Devils to make a run in the SWAC Tournament.
“We have built a little momentum here to end the regular season. He plan to build on that,” said the senior guard.
Payne is also fired about the postseason.
“It’s our time to shine,” he said. “It’s a new season, and we plan to make the most of this opportunity.”
The Delta Devils made 16 of 17 from the line in the first half en route to a 44-36 lead at the break. A layup from Henry with 17:04 left put Mississippi Valley State up 52-42, and the lead remained in double figures, reaching as high as 19.
Jaquan Lynch was 12 of 12 from the free-throw line and scored 24 points for Pine Bluff. Itta Bena’s Ghiavonni Robinson added 14 points, with only three of those coming in the second half.
The Valley women won 57-54 over UAPB to also earn a spot in the SWAC Tournament.
Ashley Beals had a double-double of 24 points and 17 rebounds.
