On Thursday, March 5, the Lady Panthers knocked off the Braves of Alcorn State (72-44) to increase their winning streak to 15.
Prairie View took a 26-14 lead on a Shondria Combs lay-up at the 10:08 mark. The Panthers’ defense held Alcorn State to a mere low of 29 percent shooting from the floor. The Lady Panthers went into intermission with a 47-23 lead and shot a remarkable 61 percent from the field.
In the second half the Lady Panthers started where they left off as they went up by 25 (59-34) on a Candice Thomas lay-up with 13:13 left in regulation. The Lady Panthers were led by Twila Stokes who had a top-notch game with 18 points and collected 11 rebounds. Candice Thomas also contributed 15 points in the win.
On Saturday, March 7, the Lady Panthers were looking to get revenge against the Southern University Jaguars, who had previously beaten the Panthers back on Jan. 5.
The Lady Panthers started the first half fierce as they took an 11-0 lead on a Dominique Smith three-pointer at the 16:34 mark. Prairie View slightly let up as they let Southern get within two points (23-21) with 4:51 left. The Lady Panthers went into intermission with a 29-24 lead.
In the second half Prairie View started the game somewhat stagnant as Southern took a two point lead (33-35) with 14:35 left in the game. The Lady Panthers regrouped as Smith was able to capitalize on a three-point play, giving the Panthers back the lead (36-35) at the 13:53 mark. The Panthers looked to run away with the game as Smith was able to connect on two free throws with a minute left.
The Lady Panthers held on to win (59-51), clinching SWAC championships for another consecutive year. Smith led the Panthers with 17 points and six rebounds. Thomas popped in 15 points to go along with seven rebounds. Shondria Combs recorded 11 points and Gaati Werema posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
“It feels great, I got to give my hats off to the girls for all their hard work,” said assistant coach Marcus Young.
Center Aminata Dieye said,” It’s a very great feeling, and I’m very excited for the team, I wish it didn’t have to end.”
The Lady Panthers travel to Birmingham, Ala., to participate in the SWAC Tournament March 11-14. The first game is at 5:30 p.m. on March 11 against Grambling State.