The Lady Panthers had an unforgettable win against Texas Southern at William “Billy” J. Nicks last Saturday. The game’s final score ended with the Lady Panthers 58-49, sending the Lady Tigers home with no victory, improving Prairie View A&M University (12-7, 9-1 SWAC).
Junior forward Robin Jones was carried off the court during the second quarter because of an unexpected injury.
The game started off slow with a jumper by Nadosha Strickland from Texas Southern scoring a two-pointer at the 18:56 mark. For four minutes there wasn’t much action taking place on the court, until Candice Thomas gained two free throw shots for the Lady Panthers. Texas Southern continued to bring a strong defensive effort, causing the Lady Panthers to stay behind for most of the first half, until Dominique Smith managed to get a three-pointer leading the game 8-4 at the 12:40 mark. Guard Latara Darrett had an amazing cross-over between the legs and ran full court, knocking down a jumper to make the score 15-12 with Prairie View down by three points. Lady Panthers trying to keep up with the Tigers continued to fall behind, Lady Tiger Jasmine Cannon ended the first half with seven points bringing the Lady Panther deficit to 24-18 at halftime.
After the half Prairie View started to pick up the pace on the court, getting the crowd ecstatic by Darrett dominating the ball and picking it up on the defensive end as well. Darrett scored a total of 10 points in the second half alone. With Darrett’s production, the Lady Panthers went on a run now only being down by two 34-32. Faith began to prevail after a 14-4 run, giving Prairie View the ultimate chance to lead the game when Robin Jones made a successful free throw, tying the game 34-34, before a time out at 10:57. Lady Panthers seemed to be getting more focused as time was passing.
After time out, Darrett placed the Lady Panthers two points ahead at 10:41, then Smith swooped in to gain the Panthers two more points with a lay-up 38-34. For two minutes the Lady Panthers consistently scored points leading the game, unlike the first half. Smith scored another three-pointer at 5:16, giving hope that the Lady Panthers would leave with a 48-44 victory. The Tigers failed to make a score until the last two minutes in the game with Inisha Daughtry getting a free throw. Darrett ended the long wait at 23 seconds by making the last free throw leading the Lady Panthers to victory with a score of 58-49.
Darrett seemed to be the highlight of Saturday’s game, leading Prairie View with 27 points, three assists, and four steals, Smith with 13 points, and three steals and Candice Thomas with 12 points, one steal, and two assists. Lady Panthers versus Jackson State home contest will be on Feb. 13, starting at 5:30 p.m.