Akil Douglas scored 14 points while Jalen Mitchell and Damien Davis each added 12, but it wasn't enough for the Clark Atlanta University Panthers to successfully defend their 2017 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title, falling to Claflin 69-61 in the 2018 SIAC Tournament title game in Birmingham, Ala.

Clark Atlanta (24-5) overcame a 14-point deficit early in the second half to pull within four twice in the game's final four-and-a-half minutes.

Jamal Pollydore's two free throws had them within striking distance at 64-60 with 1:32 left to play.  CAU turned up the defense, forcing a steal with their pressure defense, but not being able to convert on a 3-point try on the next possession.

Claflin's Triston Thompson hit two free throws and CAU was unable to hit another basket as Claflin (25-6) held on for the win.

"I thought they outhustled us, they outworked us and when you shoot 35 percent from the field and 15 percent from the 3-point line and 64 percent from the free throw line, it's going to be hard to beat anybody," said CAU Head Coach Darrell Walker.  "They outworked us and they outhustled us and they deserved to get the win. It's real simple to me."

Claflin wins the SIAC automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament while Clark Atlanta, nationally ranked most of the second half of the season and sitting at No. 4 in the NCAA South Region standings, is expecting to get the call to also play in the NCAA tourney.

"They played hard, they played good.  Give them their due," Walker said of Claflin, a team CAU was 1-2 against this season.  "We have to get ready to move and be ready for the NCAA tournament."

NCAA Division II Tournament pairings will be announced Sunday at 10:30 p.m.