Morehouse Defeats Clark Atlanta 75-71 in first of two annual rivalry games

The annual AUC rivalry game between Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University was full of excitement as the Maroon Tigers pulled off a 75-71 win at L.S. Epps Gymnasium. After losing their last two games, Morehouse bounced back strong, defeating their cross-street rivals in a hard-fought battle.

Morehouse shot 27-53 from the field, hitting 50.9% of their shots, with 40.9% accuracy from three-point range and 70.6% from the free-throw line. Clark Atlanta shot 28-58 from the field, making 47.6% of their shots, with 50% from three-point range and 50% from the free-throw line. Both teams finished the game with 20 defensive rebounds each.

Morehouse started the game hot, going on an 8-0 run with sophomore guard Cedric Taylor leading the charge. Taylor had an outstanding performance, scoring 26 points while shooting 6-10 from the field, 75% from three-point range, and 11-12 from the free-throw line. His scoring helped Morehouse build momentum early, including an exciting alley-oop from junior guard JerMontae Hill to senior forward Dre Watson that energized the crowd. Senior guard Jaden Gray was also a key contributor in the Maroon Tigers victory scoring 14 points, shooting five for eleven from field goal, and grabbing three rebounds. 

The Maroon Tigers played tough defense, switching between a 2-3 zone and man-to-man defense. They dominated the first half, taking a 44-28 lead into halftime. Morehouse continued to control the game in the second half, leading by as much as 20 points with around 14 minutes left.

 Clark Atlanta did not give up. Led by senior guard Jalen Williams, who scored 21 points, and redshirt junior guard Ny’Mire Little, who added 17 points, the Panthers fought back. Clark cut the lead to 11 with eight minutes left and kept the pressure on, getting as close as 10 points late in the game.

Morehouse managed to hold on thanks to a clutch steal by freshman guard Brandon Peters in the final minutes, sealing the win.

After the game, Morehouse head basketball coach Douglas Whitlter praised his team’s effort. 

“They’ve been working real hard. They really wanted to win this game, and they came out and executed,” he said. “I’m proud of these guys after dropping games that we probably shouldn’t have.”

Whittler added, “We’ve got to stay focused. We’ve got to continue to get in the gym and work, watch film, and we can’t get the big head when we win big games.”

Morehouse will play their next game at home against Savannah State on February 3, while Clark Atlanta will return to the court at Epps Gymnasium on Wed., Feb. 5 against Allen University.