TEMPE, Ariz. – The Prairie View A&M women's basketball team battled over the first three quarters, but were unable to overcome a 9-2 stretch by the Sun Devils in the fourth quarter, falling to Arizona State 82-67 at the Desert Financial Arena.

The Panthers had three scorers finish in double figures against the Sun Devils.  Both Kennedy Paul and Nyam Thornton finished with 16 points, while Tamiracle Taylor registered 11 points.  Kennedy had a season-high three assists, she also recorded three rebounds and a block, while Thornton posted a season-high six rebounds, five assists, a block and two steals.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Panthers took a 20-12 lead leaving 2:36 minutes left on the clock in the first quarter.  Both teams continued to trade buckets from there with the Panthers holding onto their lead closing the stretch for the 21-19 lead adt the end of the first.

A basketball by Taylor opened the scoring for the second quarter to advance the Panthers lead to 23-19, with both teams continuing to battle.  On a fast break jumper by the Sun Devils Ty Skinner, this regained their lead back on a 5-0 stretch taking a 36-31 advantage.  A free throw by Thornton and a layup got the Panthers within two making the score 36-34.  Arizona State answered with a couple of free throws of their own and a layup shortly after to take a 40-34 lead to the break.

ASU used a 7-2 start out of the half, leading by 11 to take a 47-36 lead with 8:11 left to go in the third quarter.  The Sun Devils used another run shifting their momentum for good using a 9-2 stretch taking a 58-42 lead at the 4:02 mark.  The trio of Gerlyn Smith, Taylor, and Desiree Lewis kept the Panthers right there scoring the final basket of the third period as the Sun Devils took a 60-50 lead into the fourth quarter.

The back-and-forth play continued to start the fourth quarter as both teams traded baskets to start.  Arizona State went 6-for-6 from the free stripe line, as they continued advancing their lead 70-55 with 5:06 left to go in the quarter.  The Panthers continued to fight, but could not keep pace in the final minutes with the Sun Devils earning the 82-67 win.

Smith finished the game with a season high eight rebounds, while adding seven points.  Lewis also added seven points in the contest.

The Panthers close out their non-conference play and the 2022 calendar on Tuesday, December 20 against Michigan State.  Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m. at the Breslin Center.

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