Reagan Jackson had 26 points as Clark Atlanta was ahead early and challenged late, but couldn't hold on as they lost at Benedict 87-71.

Clark Atlanta (2-15, 1-7 SIAC) led after the first quarter and at halftime before Benedict (13-4, 8-0 SIAC) – the SIAC's only team still undefeated in conference play – took over late.

The Lady Panthers led most of the first quarter, briefly relinquishing the lead after Ay'Anna Bey's layup and free throw gave Benedict a 13-11 lead.  But the Lady Panthers charged back to end the quarter with a 10-4 run, capped by Reyana Miller's 3-pointer to end the quarter.

CAU got the lead up to six early in the second quarter as Jackson hit a 3-pointer to make it 27-21.  The Lady Tigers came back, taking the lead on Bey's layup to make it 29-27 with 4:04 left before the break. CAU's Jalisa Jones countered with a 3-pointer that put the Lady Panthers ahead as CAU was able to increase their lead to 43-35 at halftime. 

That lead got to ten shortly after the third quarter began after I'Nayah Moore's layup made it 45-35.  Benedict stayed within striking distance and then taking the lead on Essence Stinnette's jumper made it 57-55 less than a minute before the quarter ended.

CAU twice cut the Benedict lead to two – first on a Jamila Mitchell 3-pointer and then on Miller's layup – early in the fourth quarter.  Late in the fourth, Mitchell hit another 3-pointer that made it 73-69 with just under four minutes remaining.  But Benedict ended the game with a 14-2 run over the final four minutes to take the win.

Jackson finished with 26 points – her season high – along with five assists, a rebound and a steal. Jackson has scored in double figures in three of the last four games.   Miller had 19 points, six assists and two rebounds.  Jones had nine points while Nailah-Mawusi Mitchell added seven, with Jamila Mitchell finishing with eight points, two rebounds and three assists. 
Moore finished with four boards.

Bey had a huge game for Benedict, finishing with 39 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks.

The Lady Panthers will now head Augusta where they will play Paine College on Monday, Jan. 14^th at 5:30 p.m.   They return home next weekend when they host Albany State on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.  They follow that with a Monday, Jan. 21^st home game against Fort Valley State and then Saturday, Jan. 26^th when they host Carver College at 4 p.m.