Box Score January 30, 2017 – ATLANTA – The Maroon Tigers lost a barn-burner in round one of the two-game series against cross-campus rivals, the Clark Atlanta University Panthers, 71-66.
Even closer than the score suggests, the game featured 14 ties and nine lead changes. Morehouse extended a 32-25 halftime lead to eight points before the Panthers began to chip away and outscore the Tigers by 12 points in the second half.
The game was decided in the final 40 seconds, where Morehouse missed the front end of a one-and-one that would have tied the score at 67-all.
The Panthers converted on their next possession, to make it 69-66. Morehouse had three chances to cut into the lead, but all three shots missed the mark. Forced to foul, the Maroon Tigers could only watch as the Panthers sank two free throws, to seal the deal, in front of a standing-room-only crowd of 1,600.
Once again, Tyrius Walker led Morehouse. Despite limited minutes due to early foul trouble, Walker sank 6 of 12 shots from the field, including three triples, for 17 points. Most of his production came in the second half. He added four rebounds, two assists a block and a steal to his line total.
Omar Alston had one of his best games of the season, recording his fifth double-double, with 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Though only credited with one block, he altered multiple shots and helped collect the misses.
Ayinde Russell and Martravious Little carried the Tigers in the first half. Russell scored 10 of his 17 points before intermission and added three rebounds and a steal.
Little hit 5 of 9 first-half shots and finished with 14 points. He added three rebounds, two assists and a steal to that total.
Michael Olmert dished out a team-high six assists and added two points and two rebounds. Jordan Wallace posted three points and four rebounds.
Damien Davis led the Panthers, with a game-high 19 points. Tajai Johnson added 18 and Derek Harper chipped in 17.
The loss broke a two-game win streak and dropped Morehouse to 11-7; (5-5 SIAC). CAU improved to 13-8; (7-3 SIAC).
Morehouse will get a chance to avenge the loss, February 13, at 7 p.m., when the Panthers visit Forbes Arena for a rematch.
In the meantime, the Maroon Tigers will host the SIAC-leading Benedict Tigers, at Forbes Arena, Thursday, at 7 p.m.
