Nailah-Mawusi Mitchell had 21 points as the Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers got their first win of the season, defeating Shorter College 59-50 at L.S. Epps Gymnasium Thursday.

The Lady Panthers (1-8) matched their best shooting night of the season, hitting 40 percent of their shots.  CAU hit 40 percent of their shots in their close battle with Tuskegee last week.
Shorter (1-6) jumped out to a 19-7 lead in the first quarter, behind two 3-pointers and a basket by Tatum Ragsdale.   That lead got up to 13 early in the second quarter before CAU outscored Shorter 15-8 to end the half and only trail 32-26.

After Shorter got the lead back to eight midway through the third quarter, the Lady Panthers went on a 9-0 run, capped by Jazmin Smith's 3-pointer, to take their first lead a 44-43 with 50 seconds left in the third quarter.  The Lady Panthers never relinquished the lead after that.

The Lady Panthers poured it on in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to as many as 12 points, and turning up the defensive pressure.  CAU forced 23 turnovers and had nine steals, while only allowing Shorter six baskets in the second half.

Mitchell had 21 points, three rebounds, three steals and a block, while Reyana Miller finished with ten points, five rebounds, three steals and three assists.  Jalisa Jones added ten points, a rebound, a block and a steal. Zakiyia Holt came off the bench to grab four rebounds and score six points.

Raven Fair led Shorter with 15 points.

The Lady Panthers will be off for final exams, returning to the court when they hit the road on Dec. 15 to play Central State, Dec. 17 at Kentucky State, and Dec. 19 at West Georgia.   They are back home on New Year's Eve when they play Spring Hill College at 1 p.m. in L.S. Epps Gymnasium.