Homecoming for, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats dominated the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions with a convincing 31-14 win at Municipal Stadium. The victory not only boosted the Wildcats' spirits in front of a raucous crowd but also marked their first Homecoming triumph since 2018, improving their record to 4-4 overall and 3-1 in SWAC play. Meanwhile, the Golden Lions slipped to 3-5 overall and 1-3 in conference action.

The game started with promise for both sides, but it was Bethune-Cookman who struck first late in the opening quarter. Quarterback Cam'Ron Ransom powered in from one yard out on a tush-push play, capping a 10-play, 61-yard drive and giving the Wildcats a 7-0.The defenses held firm through the rest of the period, with neither team able to generate much momentum.

Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats' defense made its presence felt when defensive tackle Adrian Hall Jr. forced a fumble from UAPB near midfield. Bethune-Cookman couldn't capitalize i. UAPB fought back midway through the quarter, blocking a Wildcats punt deep in enemy territory and taking over at the two-yard line. From there, running back Jaylen Jennings punched it in for a two-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7.

But the Wildcats weren't about to let the momentum swing away. They responded with a methodical 9-play, 65-yard drive, ending in a five-yard touchdown scamper by running back Alihaja Scott Jr. to reclaim the lead at 14-7 heading into halftime.

The third quarter turned into a scoring frenzy, with Bethune-Cookman pulling away. After a short UAPB punt, the Wildcats started at the Golden Lions' 43-yard line. Khamani Robinson ripped off a 22-yard run, setting up Ransom's second rushing score of the day a two-yard fake that made it 21-7.UAPB answered swiftly with a 34-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Christian Peters to wide receiver D'Avery Robinson, narrowing the gap to 21-14.

, Bethune-Cookman trick play: a 53-yard flea flicker pass from Ransom to Josh Evans, which set up Robinson's five-yard touchdown run and pushed the lead to 28-14 by the end of the third.

In the fourth, a 25-yard field goal from kicker Juan Dominguez, extending the margin to 31-14.Bethune-Cookman drove deep into UAPB territory late but stalled on a fourth-and-one at the two-yard line. The defense stepped up, holding the Golden Lions scoreless in the final frame to seal the deal.

Offensively, the Wildcats were balanced and efficient, amassing 417 total yards compared to UAPB's 297.Ransom was the star, completing 13 of 20 passes for 170 yards while adding 28 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.Robinson led the rushing attack with 62 yards on nine carries and a score, while six different Wildcats contributed over 25 rushing yards each.

Defensively, linebacker Jaylen Lewis terrorized the backfield with a pair of sacks, and Stephen Sparrow paced the team with nine tackles.Cornerback Johnny Harris broke up a pass, helping force UAPB into one turnover while Bethune-Cookman committed none.The Wildcats also controlled the clock, holding possession for over 33 minutes.

The Golden Lions will look to rebound next week, against Southern while Bethune-Cookman rides the momentum.