PRAIRIE VIEW - A game fought to the end as the Prairie View A&M women's basketball team was so close, but just could not seal the win over Grambling State in their Southwestern Athletic Conference opener on Monday night in the William J. Nicks Building.
 
Although the Panthers outscored the Tigers 20-14 in the final 10 minutes of play PVAMU gave a valiant effort in the last minutes of the game, but came up short falling 66-60.
 
Diana Rosenthal led the Panthers with 18 points, while Kennedy Paul chipped in 16 and Kennedi Heard added 12.  Heard flirted with double-digit rebounds pulling down a team-high of nine caroms.
 
As a team, the Panthers shot 31.1 percent from the floor, including a 2-for-14 clip in the second quarter that contributed to PV's woes.
 
Grambling used a strong attack from their leading scorer Colbi Maples, who scored 25 points to lead all scorers.  She was 10-for-16 from the field, including 2-for-3 from the 3-point range.  Miracle Saxton was a nip away from a double-double with 12 points and nine boards, while Phylicia Allen had 15 points. 
 
The Panthers took a 21-14 lead through the first quarter, then went cold in the second only scoring five points, while GSU scored 22 points to take a 36-26 lead at the intermission.  Both teams scored 14 points in the third.
 
The Tigers shot 42.1 percent for the game, including 53 percent in the second quarter.  However they were held to a 4-for-10 effort in the final period of play.
 
The Panthers will continue conference play on Wednesday night, as PVAMU host Southern at 5:30 p.m. in the William J. Nicks Building.
 
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