ATHENS, Ohio – The Prairie View A&M men's basketball team lost at Ohio 84-65 Wednesday at the Convocation Center.
 
Gary Blackston scored a game-high 24 points along with seven rebounds and two assists. Zachary Hamilton scored 18 points along with three rebounds to lead the Panthers in scoring.
 
There were eight times and six lead changes in the contest. Blackston scored 12 of his points in his first half as the Panthers took a 31-29 halftime lead. The Panthers shot just under 50 percent in the first half as the Panthers outrebounded the Bobcats, 31-27.
 
In the second half, Prairie View A&M took the lead in the early minutes. A layup by Iwin Ellis and a three-pointer by Hamilton gave the Panthers a 36-31 lead just over two minutes into the second half.
 
However, after two ties in the second half, Ohio took the lead but the Panthers battled back to make the deficit three at 55-52 on a three-pointer by Austin Starr with nine minutes remaining but could get no closer.

"We played solid in the first half, but very lethargic to start the second half," said PVAMU head coach Byron Smith. "I was very disappointed that we didn't finish stronger. Ohio shot the ball really well and we were late getting to the ball on defense most of the evening."
 
The Panthers will conclude the non-conference road schedule Friday at New Mexico at 8 p.m. CT.
 

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