In an unforgettable Senior Night at Forbes Arena, the Morehouse Maroon Tigers pulled off a thrilling 87-77 double-overtime comeback against its rival, the Clark Atlanta University Panthers on Saturday, Feb. 22. Led by senior guard Omar Rowe’s game-high 24 points, Morehouse erased a 20-point deficit to secure their second win over Clark Atlanta this season.
The Panthers came out aggressive, jumping to a 16-2 lead around the 12-minute mark. Morehouse struggled offensively, with junior guard JerMontae Hill scoring the team’s first two baskets. Clark’s relentless rebounding and fast-paced offense extended their lead to 27-7 with eight minutes left in the first half. Redshirt junior Ny’Mire Little powered the Panthers with 26 points and two rebounds, while senior guard Jalen Williams added 14 points, including clutch shots that kept Morehouse on its heels.
The Maroon Tigers found life late in the first half. Hill and sophomore guard Cedric Taylor III hit key shots, cutting into the deficit before halftime, though Clark still led 31-18 at the break.
Morehouse returned from halftime with renewed energy. Taylor III sparked the comeback with a three-pointer at the 17:31 mark, trimming the lead to eight. Senior forward Amahn Decker followed with another three, making it 39-29 with 15:16 left. Hill stayed hot, knocking down back-to-back threes to cut the gap to 43-37 with 11 minutes remaining.
Clark answered with a short run, highlighted by Williams’ smooth euro-step layup and back-to-back threes, extending the lead to 57-45 with six minutes left.
But Morehouse refused to fold.
Rowe stepped up late, hitting a crucial three-pointer to bring the Tigers within two at the 3:13 mark. With the game on the line, Morehouse had the final possession in regulation but missed the potential game-winner, sending the rivalry into overtime.
The first overtime was a back-and-forth battle. Clark’s junior guard Najhae Colon buried a tough three-pointer with 40.4 seconds left, briefly shifting momentum to the Panthers. But the Maroon Tigers held strong, forcing double overtime.
That’s when Morehouse took control.
Rowe dominated in double OT, adding to his 24 points and six rebounds, while Decker and Taylor III hit critical shots. The Tigers exploded in the final minute, going on a game-sealing run that had the Forbes Arena crowd roaring.
Hill finished with 15 points, including two threes. Taylor III added nine points and seven rebounds, while Decker notched a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Tigers’ comeback was fueled by defensive grit and clutch shooting, especially in the second half and both overtime periods, as they outscored Clark 18-8 in the final period.
Morehouse Head Coach Douglas Whittler praised his team postgame in the locker room.
“Y’all did what we do. Y’all stayed the course, played together, hit big shots, made defensive stops when we needed them, and that’s why we got the win.”
Still, he reminded the team the mission isn’t complete:
“We still got work to do.”
With the win, Morehouse improves to 15-12 (12-7 in conference), while Clark Atlanta falls to 17-9 (14-5).