Romaine Thomas had 20 points as Clark Atlanta broke open a close game midway through to defeat Central State 82-69 Saturday in Wilberforce, Ohio.

The win was the fourth in a row for Clark Atlanta (5-9, 5-1 SIAC) and the sixth straight time CAU has defeated Central State (6-6, 3-4 SIAC).  CAU hasn't lost to Central State since November 2013.

Saturday, Clark Atlanta had to battle Central State early as the Marauders kept things close in the first half.  They led CAU by five after Alex Dotson's layup made it 23-18 with 6:12 left before halftime.   Two Elijah Stewart free throws two minutes later capped a 12-2 Clark Atlanta spurt that put the Panthers ahead 30-25 with 3:56 remaining before the break.

Central State kept within striking distance midway in the second half trailing by just three – 56-53 – after two Tom Johnson free throws with 9:09 remaining. But CAU put the game out of reach by outscoring Central State 19-4 over the next five minutes to go up 75-57 after a Tyler Singleton jumper.

Thomas led CAU with his sixth double-double this season with 20 points and 13 rebounds, along with four assists and a steal.  Singleton finished with 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.  Ian Roach added 11 points, while Colin Bell had ten points and six rebounds.  In his first action of the season, Jaylen Rogers had eight points.

Central State was led by Darweshi Hunter who had 27 points and six rebounds.

The Panthers remain on the road Monday when they visit Kentucky State at 7:30 p.m.   They return to Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 11 when they host Fort Valley State at 4 p.m. in L.S. Epps Gymnasium.