ATLANTA, Ga. – Clark Atlanta women's basketball struggled offensively tonight trailing for most of the game. Although the defense was stout and accounted for 36 turnovers and 18 steals, but the Panthers shot just 27 percent from the floor. Lauren Turner had 20 points, six rebounds, and five steals in the losing effort.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Fort Valley 73, Clark Atlanta 63
Record: Fort Valley (6-11; 5-4 SIAC), Clark Atlanta (6-11; 2-6 SIAC)
Date: January 26, 2017 | Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: L. S. Epps Gymnasium | Atlanta, Ga.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
First Quarter | The Panthers started the game off strong with a steal by Marissa Mandeldove, but failed to capitalize on their opening possession. The Lady Wildcats opened a 7-0 lead before a Turner layup. The Lady Wildcats protected the lead for most of the quarter until a couple of knockdown threes by Nicole Graham along with a pair of nice jumpers by Turner. Each scored six and seven first-half points respectively, and accounted for more than 50 percent of the offense. Both teams couldn't seem to click on offense as they committed four turnovers within a minute. The Panthers defense held their lead to close the quarter.

Second Quarter | The Lady Wildcats came out the second quarter with a 5-0 run sparked by Daknequa White's layup and 3-pointer shot. The Panthers responded with a Kiyanna Johnson mid-range jumper to quickly end the run. Physical defense prevented each team from scoring. The Lady Wildcats controlled the lead for most of the quarter. A quick Mandeldove-to-Turner connection gave the Panthers a much-needed bucket. The Panthers physical play on defense gave up fouls allowing FVSU trips to the FT line, giving way to a 34-29 deficit at the half.

Third Quarter | The Panthers defense came out with more physical play that allowed defense to turn into a Reyanna Miller layup to help the Panthers cut the deficit to 36-33. The Lady Wildcats turned the ball over again to set up a coast-to-coast layup by Mandeldove. The Lady Wildcats answered with a 5-0 and 7-0 run to open a 14-point lead; 48-34. Although only shooting 26.3 percent through three quarters, the Panthers will their way back into the game closing the quarter out with a 6-0 run; 50-42.

Fourth Quarter | The Panthers give up a quick 3-pointer to White before answering with a 5-0 run by Turner and the Panthers. After plenty of back-and-forth action the Lady Wildcats extended their lead with a 6-0 run. A couple of late free throws extended the Fort Valley State lead and eventual final to 73-63.

THE NUMBERS:
The Panthers shot 23-83 (27.7 percent) from the floor.

Rebounds played a big factor as the Lady Wildcats held the competitive advantage; 59-39.

The Panthers defense created 36 turnovers, and 18 steals.   

UP NEXT:
Clark Atlanta goes on the road on Jan. 28th to play in Columbia, South Carolina to take on Benedict College at 1:00 PM.