Atlanta, Ga. – The Albany State Lady Golden Rams showed heart, resilience, and undeniable fight in Thursday night's road matchup against the Clark Atlanta Lady Panthers, battling back from a deep halftime deficit to nearly complete an impressive second-half comeback before ultimately falling 73–66 inside L.S. Epps Gym.

Albany State opened the contest with confidence and control, winning the tip and striking quickly with a 4–0 run behind composed shot-making and active defensive pressure. The Lady Golden Rams dictated the early tempo, trading baskets with the Lady Panthers and holding a 16–15 lead with under a minute left in the first quarter. Their early execution set the tone for what would become a gritty performance.

Clark Atlanta responded with a late first-quarter surge and carried that momentum into the second, where they managed to build a 42–23 halftime advantage. Despite the deficit, the Lady Golden Rams refused to fold.

The second half belonged to Albany State.

With renewed energy and determination, ASU chipped away at the lead possession by possession. Their defense tightened, their ball movement improved, and their confidence grew with every stop and every basket they scored. Rebounding is one of the team's strengths — it helped fuel fast-break opportunities, while clutch second-chance points kept the pressure on Clark Atlanta.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, Albany State's momentum became undeniable. With just over two minutes remaining in regulation, the Lady Golden Rams had sliced what was once a 20-point deficit all the way down to six, igniting the bench and silencing the home crowd. Their late-game surge showcased the team's growth, resilience, and ability to compete at a high level against one of the SIAC's more physical teams.

Though the comeback fell just short, the Lady Golden Rams walk away with plenty of positives—toughness, improved execution, and a clear sense that this team is trending upward as conference play continues.

Up Next: Albany State returns home to the Jones Brothers HPER Complex on Thursday, December 11, when they host the Lady Tigers of Savannah State. With tonight's strong finish as fuel, the Lady Golden Rams look to protect home court and continue building momentum in SIAC play.