Monday’s game in the Baby Dome caused an uproar as the Panthers fell against Grambling State 83- 81.
Grambling opened the gates with an 8-0 run in the beginning minuets of the first half. Head coach Bryon Rimm said the slow start affected the ending. “My boys just could’nt get it together at the beginning,” said Rimm.
By the 8:11 mark the Panthers made a comeback to close the lead 19-17. Panthers’ forward Demondre Chapman led the way to put the Panthers within three, 31-28 with 12 seconds left, but they were unable to take the lead as the Tigers’ were able to distance themselves with a buzzer beating lay-up by center Windale Glinton.
Panthers’ center closed the Tigers lead to one with his pair of free throws in the beginning of the second half. But again the Tigers made another run 54-44 with the help of outside shooters Guard Antwan Scott and Forward Terry Rose. Grambling was able to expand the led to 11 by the 2:35.
With 1:45 left and the score 77-67, Panthers guard Louis Munks, lay-up and a steal by Guard John Brisco which led to a three pointer by Guard Montreal Scott closed the gap to five with 1:21 left.
Once more the Tigers were able to repeal the advancement of the Panthers by scoring on their next two possessions 80-73 with 52 seconds left.
Brisco’s three pointer closed the Tigers lead to 80-76, but the Tigers were able to capitalize on their next possession as Thomas was fouled to make after a lay-up. Unable to complete the three-point play, the Panthers were able to close the lead with a three pointer by Brisco 82-79 with 18 seconds left.
On the next possession the Tigers was whistled a technical foul which sent Brisco to the free throw line to close the Tigers lead to one with 17 seconds left.
Having a chance to take the lead after the technical foul, the Panthers was unable to take advantage of the opportunity as guard Tre Hagood was whistled for a turnover with four
seconds left. Chapman said turnover killed the momentum throughout the game. ‘”We had turnovers at the worst times and you don’t win having a lot of turnovers,” Chapman stated.
The Tigers next possession Thomas was fouled as he hit one of two baskets.
With one last chance for the Panthers to win the game, Brisco was unable to hit a three to take away the contest.
Brisco led the Panthers with 22 points as Scoot came in second with 21. Coming off the bench Chapman scored 16 points and had seven rebounds.