By: Clifton Dutton

AUC students are ready for Round 2 of the basketball rivalry matchup headed their way. Students bring spirit and energy for their basketball team as they go against one another.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers will be going up against the Clark Atlanta University Panthers in Clark Atlanta’s home gym. This will be the second and final matchup between the two, unless they get matched up in the postseason. Last time they played, The Panthers ended up on top with a final score of 73-66 in an overtime thriller.

Interestingly, since the last matchup, the Maroon Tigers haven’t lost a game against any other school. It’s safe to say the Maroon Tigers took that game personally and have used that loss as a spark for other opponents in the SIAC. 

The Maroon Tigers sit at 14-8 and are on a seven game winning streak. In addition to their success, their interim coach, Coach Clay, still holds an undefeated record at 9-0. 

The Panthers currently sit at 7-17 and won their previous matchup, which was against the Edward Waters University Tigers. That victory snapped a two-game losing streak. 

Forward, Kerry Richardson, and guard Ibn Williams have been carrying the load and scoring the most in the absence of the Stewart twins. In their previous game against Edward Waters, Williams finished the game with 22 points on 7-11 shooting and Richardson finished with 16 points on 7-14 shooting from the field. 

These two will be looking for big games against their rivals come Saturday. When they are the ones leading the team in scoring, their scoring contributions usually result in their team winning. 

The Panthers’ forward Dez’Mond Perkins is looking to have a big game like most of the others. Usually, he ends up leading the team in scoring with the help of different teammates slightly behind him each game. Perkins is the scorer, and if he has a slow night, the Maroon Tigers can find an easier way to victory. 

With the previous match going into overtime, viewers are in for a treat. Both teams will be entering the match off wins and will be looking to keep their win streaks alive. Only time will tell for who wins this claw fight. 

Copy Edited By Marlon “MJ” Scott