Box Score Columbia, S.C.- Despite a fierce comeback by Benedict College, senior Jarrel Joye carried the Clark Atlanta University Panthers to a slim 81-79 led over the Tigers on the road Monday.

In a game of runs, it was the Panthers who overcame an eight point deficit to capture a 43-40 halftime lead in a period that also featured six ties. Clark Atlanta's solid play continued in the second period as its lead swelled to 11 points (76-65) with six minutes remaining which was the largest lead in the game. But Benedict (12-6, SIAC 7-3) answered with its own run down the stretch and rummaged through CAU's lead to knot the game at 77 at the 1:24 mark. After trading baskets the score remained tied at 79 with 55 seconds remaining in regulation. A free throw shooting contest ensued down the stretch as Joye made good on 2-of-4 attempts while the Tigers failed on two trips to the line. With one last effort to squeeze out the win, Benedict's three-point attempt with one second remaining fell short of the basket.

With only three field goals, Joye finished with a team-high 19 points mainly from the charity stripe hitting 13-of-17 free throws while James Arnold added 15 and Jordan Husley, who was perfect from the field (4-4) contributed 16. Lamar Adkins recorded 19 points to lead Benedict.

The Panthers (9-7, SIAC 5-3) remain in the third spot behind Benedict in the SIAC East standings and will host Albany State at Epps Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 30, @ 8 p.m.
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