TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Tuskegee men's basketball (2-7, 1-3 SIAC) picked up a crucial home win over Clark Atlanta (6-2, 0-2), 71-70 inside the Daniel "Chappie" James Center, snapping the Golden Tigers' four-game losing streak on the season.
After a strong early start from Clark Atlanta, Tuskegee made its own run in the first half, taking its first lead at 8-7 at the 16:34 mark, before taking a seven-point lead a few minutes later.
Clark Atlanta went on a 15-0 run after trailing 16-7 in the first half that was capped by a three-pointer to give the Panthers the 24-16 edge with just over eight minutes to go. The Golden Tigers again clawed back as forward
Martez Jones scored inside to get within two points, before guard
Ostin Taylor hit a three to give Tuskegee the lead once again at 29-28. TU headed into the break leading 34-28.
Tuskegee kept hold of the lead in the early parts of the second half, leading by as many as seven twice over the first four minutes of the period. The Panthers made a short run, closing the gap to 43-41 at the 13:44 mark, and later took their first lead of the half after a pair of free throws put CAU up 47-46.
D'Anthony Pennington responded for Tuskegee a few possessions later with a jumper to regain a one-point lead, sparking a short 3-0 run, however, the Panthers tied the game again at 51-51, before taking the lead that they would hold until the five-minute mark.
Yet again, Tuskegee responded to tie the game at 59-59 soon after, and the two programs went back-and-forth over the remainder of the game, as the game was tied two more times, while the lead also changed twice before the final buzzer.
With the score tied at 68-68 in the final minute, freshman
Kris Mickens came through in the clutch with a huge three-pointer, his fourth of the game, to give Tuskegee its final lead. Clark Atlanta scored on a dunk with six seconds remaining, and got the ball back on a TU turnover, but could not convert on the final offensive possession, missing a shot inside as time expired.
Four Golden Tigers finished in double figures in the win, led by Pennington with 23 points and four assists, followed by Jones with 13, and
Kusamae Draper and Mickens with 12 points each.
Chris Martin led the way for Clark Atlanta with a game-high 27 points. He was followed by Shemani Fuller who finished with a double-double of 18 points and 12 boards in the loss.
Tuskegee will return to the court next Saturday, December 16, as they take on Savannah State on the road. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. ET inside of Tiger Arena.
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