The Panthers (5-22, 2-14) basketball team added another win to its resume’ Monday, coming back from a twelve point half time deficit to defeat the Alabama State Hornets (11-6, 9-7) 75-72 in their last home game of the season. Prairie View trailed early but the home advantage led to a 50 point second half for the Panthers, ending the Hornets’ seven-game win streak.Their last meeting, which took place at the JLR Acadome in Montgomery, Ala. ended in a Hornet’s victory, 78-70. In that game the Hornets’ leading scorer Akeim Claborn scored a game high 19 points, but this game turned out to be another story as the Panthers defense held the 6-7 forward, to a mortifying seven points.
In the first half the Panthers had a tough time making baskets, shooting only thirty-three percent from the floor, but they stayed within striking range, holding the Hornets’ lead to the low double digits closing out the half.
The Panthers slowly chipped at the Hornets’ lead during the second half. With six minutes to go in the half the Panthers took the lead and didn’t let go. The Hornets’ Richard Lott had a chance to tie the game in the last seconds but his three-pointer bounced off the rim, and Prairie View held on for the victory.
The Panther’s defense forced 12 Hornet turnovers in the final 20 minutes. Senior, Oscar Thompson led all players with a game and career high 24 points.
The Panthers will play their last two games of the season on the road versus the Southern Jaguars (14-12, 13-3) and Alcorn State Braves (6-19, 6-10).
The Panthers will have their hands full tonight, the Jaguars are the top ranked team in the SWAC conference.
On the other hand the Braves are on a four game losing streak and a Panther win would ruin their tournament hopes.