Panthers hang on to beat Atlanta Christian, end losing streak
Dec. 4, 2007

LaGrange College snapped a four-game losing skid with a 90-88 win over Atlanta Christian College at Mariotti Gymnasium on Tuesday. The Panthers (2-6) had to hold off a second half rally by the Chargers (5-8).

The Panthers got a game-high 26 points and 11 rebounds from Demetris Render. Joe Cromwell and Caleb Smallwood each had 18 points, while Roger McDowell had 14.

LaGrange shot 81 percent from the field, including 6-for-6 from 3-point range, in the first half. The Panthers led 31-9 after the first 11 minutes of the game. They led 48-29 at halftime. The Panthers committed 14 turnovers in the half and had 23 in the game. The Chargers scored 27 points off the miscues.

Atlanta Christian cut the Panthers lead to nine, 51-42, in the first four minutes of the second half. The Panthers answered 15-4 run to go up 66-46. The Panthers still led by 20, 72-52, with 10:34 remaining.

The Chargers went on a 12-1 run to cut the deficit to three, 78-75, with five minutes remaining. Cromwell hit four straight free throws to give the Panthers an 85-77 lead with 2:07 remaining. Joe Rawlings completed a four-point play with 12 seconds left to make it 89-88.

Mc Dowell made the second of two free throws to put the Panthers up 90-88. The Panthers survived Render missing two free throws in a frantic final three seconds to get the win.

The Panthers are on the road in Atlanta on Saturday to face Oglethorpe. The Panthers lost 102-66 to the Stormy Petrels on Nov. 24 in the Maryville College Thanksgiving Tournament.