Nailah-Mawusi Mitchell had 16 points as the Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers battled Lee University hard before falling 66-53 Tuesday in CAU's home opener at L.S. Epps Gymnasium.

The Lady Panthers (0-5) led Lee (4-1) – a 24-9 NCAA tournament team last season - by as many as six points in a first quarter in which CAU came out fast.  Jalisa Jones had six of the Lady Panthers first ten points, while Mitchell had five in that first quarter, including a 3-pointer that gave them a 17-14 lead at the end of the quarter.

Reagan Jackson's 3-pointer early in the second quarter pushed the Lady Panthers lead back to four at 20-16 with 9:42 left before the half. But the Lady Flames then went on an 11-0 run over the four minutes to take a seven-point lead with 5:03 left before the break.  Lee led 37-27 at halftime.

Lee's advantage crept to 11 after the third quarter, but the Lady Flames seized control late, leading by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter, as they got the win.

Mitchell had 16 points, three assists and a rebound for CAU, while Jackson finished with 11 points, six rebounds and three assists.  Reyana Miller had seven points, four rebounds and four assists and Jones finished with eight points, six rebounds and two assists.  I'Nayah
Moore had six rebounds and four points, while Jazmin Smith added five points and a rebound.

Lee's Lindsey Roddy led three Lady Flames in double figures with 16 points while also grabbing five rebounds.

After the Thanksgiving break, the Lady Panthers dive into Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play when they host Miles College Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.  The Lady Panthers then take on Tuskegee at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26 at L.S. Epps Gymnasium.