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Panthers pull out the broom for Jackson State and Grambling State

The Panthers used their brooms as they performed a regular season sweep against Jackson State. Never letting up, the Panthers gained another win, 84-75.

The Panthers were bound to gain another win at home, and to let their play speak for itself. In the first half, the Panthers shot a dismal 4-of-11 from the charity line, but continued to stay close throughout the first half. At halftime the score was 39-35. Motivation and desire gave the Panthers the rejuvenation to finish and win the game.

At the start of the second half, the Panthers came out shooting, and kept the ball moving. They scored 49 points to Jackson State’s 36, which was enough to propel the Panthers over Jackson State.

Statistically, the Panthers were 15-of-24 from the floor, and 18-of-22 from the free throw line.

The Panthers posted big numbers through teamwork and smart play. Aaron Smith threw in 25 points and three assists, as Brian Ezeh raked in 22 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Derek Johnson made sure everyone got a piece of the action with 12 assists and nine rebounds.

ESPNU’s hi-tech cameras and broadcasters, as well as the Marching Storm, DJ Mr. Rogers, the Panther Dolls, and thousands of Panther faithfuls surrounded the William Nicks Building on Monday, Feb. 18, for the men’s first home televised game of the season.

Panther faithfuls were not disappointed as the men took a tough 88-78 decision from the Grambling State Tigers. SGA Vice President Johnie L. Jones III said, “I wish there was this much participation at every game we have. It just does something for the morale of the students and players.” The crowd didn’t have to stand long before the first basket since Aaron Smith’s three point field goal from the wing 16 seconds into the game gave the Panthers a lead they would not relinquish the entire game.

The three pointer from Aaron Smith would become one of the team’s high six for the day. Smith finished with a game high of 30 points. With 4:00 left in the first half, Freddie Edo hit a three point field goal that gave the Panthers a 40-28 lead, their largest of the game.

The Panthers dominated the Tigers on the scoreboard most of the first half, but the rebounding differential helped the Tigers to creep within five points at halftime. The second half of the game went back and forth until the Tigers’ Anthony Williams sunk two free throws finally tying the score up at 72-72 with 4:42 left in the game. From there on, the Panthers (7-17) went on a 16-6 run to finish off the game and improve to 5-7 in SWAC play.

The Tigers (6-14) were led by Jamal Breaux with 19 points and are now 6-7 in the conference. Andrew Prestley and Jared Riley also added 14 each for the Tigers. Edo chipped in 16 points and 2 crucial steals for the Panthers.

The Prairie View A&M Men’s basketball team now prepares for their next vital game against UAPB in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on Feb. 23 and MVSU in Itta Bena, Mississippi on Feb. 25.