AMERICUS – The Panthers improved to 16-2 overall and 5-2 in region play Tuesday night as Joshua Lusane scored 23 points to lead Americus-Sumter to a 74-61 victory over Shaw.

In addition to Lusane’s performance, Traveon Brown was also in double figures, scoring 10 points. Sh’Qual White chipped in 8 points for the Panthers in the winning cause.

“Tonight, we did a good job of returning to our defensive principles”, Americus-Sumter Head Coach Michael Hoffpauir said. “We still have to work on closing out teams when we have a significant lead. We have to eliminate their runs and not allow them to get back in the game.”

The Raiders (7-13, 3-7) had three players in double figures. Jalen Ken led Shaw with 22 points, T.J. Mitchell scored 14 and Lincoln Smith chipped in 11 in the losing cause.

The Panthers will try to improve their region standings when they travel to Columbus for a rematch of last week’s six-overtime marathon against Carver. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

In girls’ action, the Lady Panthers fell to Shaw 58-50, losing their fourth-straight region game. Americus-Sumter had two players scoring in double figures. Deasia Ford led the Lady Panthers in scoring with 16 points and Jykiera Long scored 12. They will try to right the ship Saturday when they travel to Columbus on Saturday to take on Carver at 6 p.m.