ATLANTA, Ga. – Clark Atlanta women's basketball fall short at home to a polished Benedict team. The Panthers tough defense sent the Lady Tigers to the line 16 times ultimately leading to 25 points. The Panthers let up several large runs that hurt their chances at a comeback. Kiyanna Johnson and Sydni Davis proved to be too much for the opposing defense as they scored 22 and 15 respectively.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Benedict 98, Clark Atlanta 67
Record: Benedict (17-7; 13-1 SIAC), Clark Atlanta (8-15; 3-10 SIAC)
Date: February 18, 2017 | Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: L. S. Epps Gymnasium | Atlanta, Ga.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
First Quarter | Johnson gets the Panthers first points with a strong move to the basket. Mikiesha Moore responds with her second three of the game to start a 9-0 run by the Lady Tigers. Naquaisha Rattray ends the run with a tip in. The Lady Tigers extend their lead to 24-4 with a 12-0 run. An electrifying half-court shot by Davis ended the quarter. The Panthers were held to 20% from the field.

Second Quarter | Davis opened the second quarter showing off her shooting prowess with a step-back jumper. The Lady Tigers went on an 11-0 run after a few shots from Essence Stinnette and Shirvel Luke. Kendall Youngblood turned an offensive rebound to points as the deficit was cut to 15-35. Although the Panthers field goal percentage (34.5%) is similar to the Lady Tigers (37.2%), the story of the first half came down to free-throws and three-pointers. The Lady Tigers held the competitive advantage in both categories with 8 three-pointers and 12-14 free throw shooting.

Third Quarter | The Panthers returned to their physical brand of defense with a steal by Marissa Mandeldove. The steal led to a Johnson layup on the other end. Mandledove finds Johnson for her first 3-pointer of the game to cut the deficit to 24 with 8:35 remaining. The Lady Tigers went on yet, another run to extend their lead to 69-32. Johnson goes for the trifecta, and hit
her third 3 of the quarter. Panthers shot 48.1% from the field.

Fourth Quarter | The Panthers were hot early in the quarter to continue a 12-0 run to open the quarter. Johnson hit her fourth three of the game, but the Panthers were outscored 20-19 in the fourth quarter.

THE NUMBERS:
The Panthers shot 24-63 (38.1 %). The Panthers shot 6-21 (28.6%) from beyond the arc, and 13-21 (61.9%).  

UP NEXT:
Clark Atlanta will play twice more from L.S. Epps Gymnasium to close the season with games versus Claflin and Miles on Feb. 20 and 23.