St. Louis, MO-The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB) clung to a two-point lead as the Golden Lions squeaked past Clark Atlanta University 9-7 in the St. Louis Gateway Classic Saturday.

UAPB (3-1, 2-0 SWAC) scored on its first possession capped by a Stephen Jones 14-yard touchdown run, but missed the extra point attempt which gave the Golden Lions a 6-0 advantage they would maintain through the first half.

Despite gaining 475 total yards in the game, the Golden Lions were limited to just nine points as Clark Atlanta defense held UAPB to three points in the second half as place kicker Chris Ewald connected on a 33-yard field goal at the 5:35 mark of the third quarter. The Panthers' defense stopped Arkansas-Pine Bluff on two fourth down attempts led by Harcourt Farquharson who finished with a game-high 11 tackles followed by Harrison Porter with eight tackles including one for a loss and one fumble recovery.

Two missed field goals by CAU kicker Kemuel Lawrence from 46 and 47 yards in the third quarter halted the Panthers chances of scoring as they stared at a slim 9-0 Golden Lions margin heading into the fourth quarter.

WIth 6:58 remining in the contest, CAU running back Anderson Davis' 3-yard touchdown run put Clark Atlanta (2-2, 1-0 SIAC) on the board. Three possessions later, a CAU interception by linebacker Kiece Crite, who returned it back 36-yards, gave the Panthers a ray of hope with 1:36 remaining. But Arkansas-Pine Bluff defensive back Jarvis Webb put to rest any chances of a Clark Atlanta comeback as he picked off Panther quarterback Tyrone Smith to seal the victory in UAPB's favor.

Defensive end Darel Strong, who recorded two sacks and three tackles, was named the classic's most valuable player for the Panthers. 
 
Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Adrian Moore tallied 155 yards while CAU's Davis gained 93 all-purpose yards.

Next, the Panthers will rumble with AUC rival Morehouse College LIVE on channel CSS Thursday, Sept. 29, 8 p.m., at B.T. Harvey Stadium.