Atlanta, GA-Two huge offensive rebounds and put backs by reserve Jasmine Alston kept the Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers (8-17, 6-15) alive as they squeaked past Kentucky State in conference action on the road Thursday.
“Our team had a strong showing down the stretch,” said head coach Vanessa Moore. “I hope this momentum carries us into the tournament.”
The Panthers opened its largest lead of the game at 15 points with 14 minutes remaining behind the play of center Shay Lewis who finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. A Thorobred 18-4 run late in the second half knotted the game at 50. Alston’s second consecutive offensive rebound and basket with 16 seconds remaining gave the Panthers a one point lead. Kentucky State then had three opportunities to take the lead as time expired but could not connect at the basket.
In the first half, freshman guard Conisha Hicks carried the Lady Panthers to a 26-22 halftime lead with 13 points in the period after they got off to a slow start. Hicks, who is the team’s leading scorer, finished with a game-high 23 points on 9-of-18 from the field.
Kiera Nelson and Raven Ward led Kentucky State in double digits with 15 and 10 points, respectively.
CAU bounced back from two losses this week to Lane College 61-53 and Fort Valley State 71-69.
The Lady Panthers will wrap up their season at home Saturday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m., against Miles College before heading into the SIAC conference tournament Wednesday, March 2nd.
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