PRAIRIE VIEW, TX --In an intensely fought basketball encounter on January 6, 2025, Prairie View A&M Panthers fell short by a narrow margin against the Southern University Jaguars. The meeting, which took place at the William J. Nicks Building in Prairie View, TX, ended with a nail-biting score of 84-80, favoring the Jaguars.

The Prairie View A&M men's basketball team shot 50 percent from three-point range. The Panthers had four players score in double figures, led by Tanahj Pettway, who had 21 points and two steals. Horton, Jr.,Orlando tacked on 20 points and four assists off of the bench and Elijah Terry helped out with 13 points, three steals and two blocks.

Prairie View A&M did a great job disrupting Southern shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Marcel Bryant led the way individually for the Panthers with two rejections.

How It Happened
The game, significant for its inclusion in their SWAC schedule, saw the Panthers trailing slightly at halftime by a score of 32-34. Despite the halftime deficit, the team showcased resilience. Top scoring performances came from Orlando Horton, Jr. with 20 points, followed by AJ Barnes with 19 points, including a crucial block contributing significantly to the game's dynamics. Jordan Johnson also had a notable game, accumulating 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal.

After falling behind 32-22, Prairie View A&M went on a 10-0 run with 2:54 left in the first half to tie the game at 32. Southern then pulled ahead, sending the Panthers into halftime down 34-32.

Southern kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 66-51 advantage before Prairie View A&M went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Jr. Horton's jumper, to shrink the deficit to 66-57 with 7:01 to go in the contest. The Panthers kept their comeback going, but Southern managed to hold on for the 84-80 win. Prairie View A&M shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting seven shots from deep to score 21 of its 48 points.

The Panthers experienced several key moments, particularly in the final seconds, as they sought to overturn the opposition's lead. Tanahj Pettway and Orlando Horton, Jr. made vital three-pointers that kept hopes alive and the crowd on edge. Despite their efforts and the high pace, Prairie View A&M could not clinch the victory.

Game Notes

» The Panthers made half of their attempts from three point range, knocking down eight of 16 shots.
» The Prairie View A&M bench made an impact by scoring 35 points to its scoring output.
» Horton, Jr.,Orlando and Braelon Bush came off the bench to score 20 and 13 points, respectively.
» The Prairie View A&M defense forced 19 turnovers.
» The Panthers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team.
» Tanahj Pettway had a game-high 21 points and Horton, Jr.,Orlando added 20.
» Prairie View A&M got five rebounds from both Elijah Terry and Horton, Jr.,Orlando.

Looking ahead, the Panthers, currently standing at 2-13 overall and 1-1 in SWAC contests, aim to rebound in their next game scheduled for January 11, 2025, against Mississippi Valley in Itta Bena, Mississippi. As the team regroups, the focus will be on capturing a much-needed victory to bolster their season standings.