Tiger Taming in the Palmetto State: Lady Panthers Claw Their Way to Win No. 1
If the Lady Panthers were looking for a stressful way to spend a Tuesday evening, they certainly found it in Columbia. In a game that had enough momentum swings to give you whiplash, Clark Atlanta invaded HRC Arena and walked out with a gritty 81–79 victory over Benedict College. It wasn’t just a win; it was a "monkey-off-the-back" moment that officially put CAU in the 2025 win column.
The Garner & Jones Show: A Two-Headed Monster
Let’s talk about Atreonia Garner, who apparently decided that the basket at HRC Arena was roughly the size of a hula hoop. Garner dropped a game-high 21 points, playing with the kind of aggression that makes opposing coaches call for extra timeouts.
But Garner didn’t do it alone. If Garner was the thunder, Trinity Jones was the lightning. Jones finished with 19 points, including the final five points of the game to ice the victory. More importantly, her buzzer-beating layup at the half—cutting the deficit to 44–37—was the emotional spark that kept the Panthers from checking out early.
The Third Quarter Blitz
From a sport analyst's perspective, this game was won in the third frame. After trailing by seven at the break, Clark Atlanta outscored the Tigers 26–15. That 11-point swing wasn't just about shooting; it was about defensive adjustments and tempo.
The Lady Panthers shot a scorching 51.9% from the field and an even more impressive 50% from behind the arc. When you’re hitting half of your threes, you’re not just playing basketball; you’re conducting a geometry lesson that the defense hasn't studied for.
Bench Depth and Box Score Brilliance
The distribution of scoring in this game was a coach's dream. Along with Garner and Jones, the Panthers saw double-digit contributions from:
Joirdyn Smith (16 pts): Smith jumpstarted the offense with six early triples in the first quarter, proving that she can get hot faster than a microwave.
Keyra Peterson (10 pts): Peterson provided the interior balance needed to keep the Tigers from collapsing solely on the shooters.
Inside the Box Score
PlayerThe StatThe "Sanchez" TakeAtreonia Garner21 PtsWhen she’s on, the scouting report is basically "good luck."Trinity Jones19 Pts (5 Clutch)The ultimate "closer" who knows how to finish a sentence.Team FT%75.9%In a two-point game, these freebies are the difference between a celebration and a quiet bus ride home.
The Bottom Line: Road wins in the SIAC are never easy, especially when you’re hunting for your first of the year. The Lady Panthers showed that they can handle the pressure, hit the big shots, and more importantly, finish the job when the Tigers started to roar.
UP NEXT: The Lady Panthers bring that winning energy back home to L.S. Epps Gymnasium on Saturday, November 29, as they host Edward Waters at 2 p.m.
Will the Lady Panthers use this road momentum to start a streak, or can Edward Waters spoil the homecoming? One thing is certain: if Joirdyn Smith keeps hitting those threes, the Epps Gymnasium scoreboard is going to be working overtime.
How much of this high-percentage shooting can the Panthers maintain as they head back into the friendly confines of their own gym?
