A fourth-quarter comeback by Clark Atlanta University, was too much as Kentucky State University lost its fourth straight regular season game 66-63 at Epps Gymnasium on Monday night.
The Thorobrettes (2-10, 2-3) have dropped three of their last four games against SIAC opponents, with the lone win during the stretch coming at home against LeMoyne Owen College, 63-61 on Nov. 30. The Panthers (7-5, 5-0) remain undefeated against all conference foes with only one game being decided by more than 10 points.
KSU rode the momentum from the first quarter where the visitors combined for 32 points in the first 10 minutes of play for its highest-scoring quarter of the season. With a 14-point advantage, KSU and CAU trade buckets with the home squad heading into the fourth quarter trailing by double-digits, 55-44.
Following a jumper by freshman forward Erica Jones to take a 13-point lead, the Panthers proceeded to go on a 13-0 run to tie the game up at 57-57 with under four minutes to go in regulation. CAU outscored KSU in the final minutes 9-6 for the final, capping off the comeback.
“We played hard,” said head coach Terrance Slater. “We just didn’t take care of the ball and finish the game. We will continue to work hard on our weaknesses, but we have to do a better job of executing down the stretch.”
As a team, KSU committed 32 turnovers, with CAU recording 13 swipes. Of the total turnovers, 10 miscues accord in the final frame.
Junior Brooke Wallace turned in one of her best games of the season accounting for a team-high 12 points and a team-high 12 rebounds for her second double-double of the year.
In her third straight game of over 30 minutes of action, junior guard Lyndsey Downing tied Wallace for a team-high 12 points, along with four assists.
Jones bounced back after two straight games of a combined seven points, with a 10-point, nine rebound game, and four blocks.
KSU will have a week off for the holiday season and will return to the Capitol City for a Saturday matchup with Benedict College on Dec. 30 at 1 PM ET.
by Eric Mathews
