The Clark Atlanta University Panthers ended their four-game winning streak with a one-point buzzer beater loss to the Albany State Golden Rams Monday, Feb. 17, at L.S. Epps Gymnasium.
The two teams were fighting for the number one spot in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s East Division.
The game started with the Golden Rams scoring four points in the first two minutes of the game. Though they started out very aggressive, the Panthers didn’t let up on their opponents.
As the second half ended, the Golden Rams led the scoreboard 28-26. But, fans of the Panthers were unrelenting, cheering the team on to turn up the heat.
During the second half, the Panthers took their first lead, 59-57, thanks to a 3-pointer from senior Romaine Thomas. The Bronx native sunk the shot with a little over two minutes left before the last quarter.
However, the Golden Rams were able to take back their lead with a foul shot which brought the score to 61-59.
Subsequently, the Panthers were able to return the favor after Thomas fouled. With 23 seconds left on the clock he was able to make both free throws, tying the score at 61-61.
At this point, it was anyone’s game. Fans of both teams were visibly anxious as they continued to cheer for a win.
With three seconds left in the game, Tyler Singleton, a senior and guard for CAU, made a successful steal, but was fouled.
Throughout the entire game, Singleton had led CAU with 18 points, four steals and three assists.
Singleton took the free throw line and made one shot making the score 62-61 with Clark Atlanta leading.
Now the clock held less than three seconds and CAU fans filled the gym with their cheers and excitement anticipating a clear with for The Panthers.
In an unanticipated turn of events with one second on the clock, the Golden Rams won with a buzzer beater alley-oop assist made by seniors Kamil Brown and laid in by Randy McClure, ending the game 63-62.
McClure has scored 16 points for Albany State throughout the game. Clark Atlanta finishes out the regular season with a 7:30 p.m. game at Savannah State on Thursday, Feb. 20 and then a visit to Fort Valley State on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Albany State has three regular season conference games remaining while CAU ends their regular season with two games on the road– at Savannah State and at Fort Valley State University.
