Box Score Fort Valley, Ga,-- Despite a hard fought comeback, Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers come up short as they fell 77-74 to Fort Valley State University on the road in women's basketball action tonight.

The Lady Panthers (13-6, SIAC 6-3) got off to a quick start, but fell behind 37-32 at the half. Fort Valley (11-10, SIAC 8-3) held its largest lead of the game at 12 points with 13:42 remaining in the second period. CAU moved within two points at the 7:42 mark behind seniors Erika Sumpter and Conisha Hicks with 14 and 11 points, respectively in the second half.Though Clark Atlanta held the Lady Wildcats two points in the final three minutes, a turnover with eight seconds remaining diminished CAU's chances at an attempt to tie the game.

Sumpter led all scorers with 20 points on 6-of-11 from the field and 8-of-9 at the charity stripe followed by Hicks with 15 points and a game-high 10 rebounds and five steals. The Lady Wildcats got a huge lift off the bench from their leading scorer Brianna Shepherd who contributed 16 of Fort Valley's 38 bench points.

Next, the Lady Panthers will host Claflin University at Epps Gymnasium Thursday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m.
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