Albany State’s run in the SIAC tournament was brought to an end by Clark-Atlanta in 57-55 in their quarterfinal matchup.
Albany State came out of the gate to take an 11-2 lead. Clark-Atlanta responded with a 11-2 run to know the game at 13, which would be the first of nine ties in the contest. A five-point lead the Rams would build with 4:43 to go in the first half would be erased as the Panthers would tie at 28 with just 27 ticks left in the first half.
Rahdin Hughes knocked down a jumper as time ran out to give Albany State a 30-28 lead headed into halftime.
The second half was also a nip-and-tuck affair that saw 12 lead changes. Jared Harrington’s layup that put ASU up 54-53 with 3:25 to go in the game would be the last field goal they would connect on. CAU’s Akil Douglas put the Panthers back on top 55-54. Randy McClure would tie the game at 55 when he split a pair of free throws with 1:46 to go. Clark-Atlanta’s Anthony Williams and Akil Douglas each split a pair of free throws to put CAU up 57-55 for good.
After being beat on the glass, 47-39, including giving up 15 offensive rebounds, CAU coach Darrell Walker knows his ballclub has to do a better job on the boards.
We’re lucky to be standing here with a win. I’ve been preaching the last four or five days of practice that if you’re going to win the tournament, you’ve got to rebound the basketball and don’t turn the ball over to have a chance to win. We got out-rebounded 47-39 and gave up 15 offensive rebounds, and that’s how they were able to stay in the game….My main concern is right now is rebounding the basketball. – Clark-Atlanta Head Basketball Coach Darrell Walker
The Panthers now head to the semifinal round where the Benedict Tigers await them. Tip-off is Friday at 7:45 CST
