The Clark Atlanta University Panthers erased a double-digit deficit to nip Edward Waters University 83-82 Wednesday in Jacksonville, Fla.

Clark Atlanta (6-6) trailed throughout the first half and by as many as 16 points in the second half.  The Panthers were down 13 points after Edward Waters' (7-10) Elias Harden hit a jumper with 13:54 remaining to make it 51-38.

But Shannon Smith's 3-pointer just under six minutes later capped a 23-9 CAU run that gave them a 61-60 lead, their first of the game.  The CAU defense forced EWU turnovers during that span.

Clark Atlanta maintained a close lead throughout the rest of the game, leading by four – 78-74 - with 23 seconds left after a Kye Jeremiah free throw. Ten seconds later, Edward Waters' Kimani Binder followed with a 3-pointer to pull the Tigers to within one point at 78-77.

But CAU hit five free throws in the final 13 seconds of the game – three of them by Jalen Williams - to seal the win.

After struggling offensively in the first half with just eight made field goals, the Panthers hit 19-of-29 (65 percent) of their shots in the second half, including four 3-pointers.

Williams led CAU with 21 points, tying his season high. Williams also grabbed three rebounds and made two steals. Kye Jeremiah had 13 points, four rebounds, two steals and three assists.  Justin Longstreet had 11 points, grabbed four rebounds and made two steals. Chris Martin (seven points) and Demetrius Headspeth (four points) both had five rebounds for CAU. 

Harden led five Edward Waters players who scored in double figures.  Harden had 19 points while Binder had 16. Jonathan Kanyanga had 12 points and 21 rebounds.

Clark Atlanta returns to Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 24 when they host Albany State at 8 p.m., immediately after the Albany State-CAU women's game.