Panthers Grind Out 59–54 Win Over LeMoyne-Owen to Reach SIAC Semifinals
- Ethan Dorsett
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Clark Atlanta University Panthers defeated the Lemoyne-Owen Magicians 59-54 on Thursday, March 5, advancing to the SIAC Tournament semifinals. Coming off a three-game winning streak to end the regular season, the Panthers carried their momentum into Thursday's defensive battle.
The tone was set early as the Panthers forced two turnovers on LeMoyne-Owen's first two possessions. The Magicians matched the intensity by forcing 3 consecutive turnovers and taking an early 7-3 lead with 14:09 left in the first half.
The Panthers immediately gained their footing and went on a 6-0 run, sparked by Jaden Martin's fast break dunk at the 12:30 mark.
The first half was defined by defensive intensity from both teams, with charges drawn and multiple blocks on each end of the floor. The Panthers forced 13 turnovers, while the Magicians matched the grit with 12 of their own. The Panthers ended the first half with a 24-20 lead, led by Senior Guard Jared Washington's 6 points off the bench. The Magicians were led by Junior Guard LaDricus Pittman's 7 points.
The second half carried the same playoff energy and defensive grit as the Panthers extended their lead to 34–25, their largest of the night at nine points, with 16:52 remaining. The Magicians immediately responded when LaDricus Pittman converted a four-point play after being fouled on a three-point attempt. This started a 7-0 run for the Magicians as they cut the lead to 32-34.
Pittman continued to lead the Magicians' offensive surge, scoring 10 points in the opening five minutes of the second half. His hot stretch helped LeMoyne-Owen take its first lead since the early minutes of the game, going ahead 47–46 with 8:46 remaining.
Despite the momentum swing, the Panthers responded with timely defensive stops and key free throws down the stretch. Clark Atlanta regained the lead in the final minutes and held off the Magicians late to secure the 59–54 victory and advance to the SIAC Tournament semifinals. The Panthers will face Tuskegee on March 6 at 5 p.m. at the Clayton County Convocation Center.
Pittman led all scorers with 33 points for the Magicians, while Jaden Martin paced the Panthers with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Clark Atlanta's defensive pressure proved to be the difference, forcing multiple turnovers and making crucial plays in the closing minutes.
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