Reyana Miller had 23 points for a feisty and spirited Clark Atlanta University Panthers squad that nearly erased a fourth-quarter, double-digit deficit before coming up just short against Tuskegee 81-76 Monday at L.S. Epps Gymnasium.

Even though Clark Atlanta (0-7, 0-2 SIAC) never led, the Lady Panthers outscored Tuskegee (4-1, 1-0 SIAC) in the fourth quarter and sliced into a 12-point Tuskegee lead.  Miller hit a basket and a 3-pointer and Jalisa Jones added a 3-pointer during an 8-0 run during a three-minute span midway through the period to pull to within four at 70-66.

Tuskegee scored the next nine points over the next three minutes, while the Lady Panthers failed to connect on five straight shots.  Tuskegee's lead went back up to 13 points at 79-66 with 55 seconds left.  The Lady Panthers mounted one last run, cutting that lead in half after Jamila Mitchell's basket and 3-pointer, followed by Briana McGee's basket, steal and free throw made it 79-73 with 19 seconds remaining.    But the Golden Tigers held on for the win.

Miller had 23 points, seven assists and three steals for CAU, while Jamila Mitchell had 14 points, three rebounds and an assist.  Jones had 11 points, four rebounds and two steals, and
Reagan Jackson added ten points, four rebounds and an assist. Nailah-Mawusi Mitchell had nine points, five rebounds, an assist and a steal.

As  the Lady Panthers continue their better play each game, they connected on 41 percent of their shots, CAU's best shooting performance this season.

Tuskegee was led by Alexis Carter who had 23 points and 20 rebounds.

The Lady Panthers will continue a busy week Wednesday when they visit North Georgia College and then host Shorter College at L.S. Epps Gymnasium Thursday at 6 p.m.