RICHMOND, VA (January 6, 2023) – The #24 Claflin Panthers (11-1, 3-1 CIAA) got one of their biggest wins of the early season when the team took a 63-58 win over the #19 Virginia Union Panthers (11-4, 1-2 CIAA). It was a balanced offensive attack along with some terrific defense to claim the key region win.
As a team, the Panthers staged one of their best offensive showings of the season to claim the win. The team shot a scorching hot 52.2% (24-of-46) from the floor in the game, despite shooting just 28.6% (four-for-four) from the three-point line. Junior center Timothy McElroy led the way for the Panthers with 12 points int eh game. Senior forward Shamarie McLeod added 11 points while junior guards Bryson Dennis and Jailen Willams both added 10 points each in the game.
Claflin took control of the game early and never looked back. In the first half, the Panthers went ahead by as many as six points, 26-20, after a three-point play from Williams with 6:24 points left in the first half. Though the Panthers had to fend off a VUU run late, Claflin was able to take a 31-28 lead into the locker room at halftime. In the second half, the Panthers continued to remain in control of the game as seven points, 53-46, after a free throw from junior guard Daijohn Stewart with 4:45 left to play. The Panthers would remain in control of the game from there on and sealed the 63-58 win.
With the win, the Panthers improve to 11-1 overall and 2-1 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play. The team will return to action, Saturday afternoon, when they head to Bowie, Maryland, when the team will take on the Bowie State Bulldogs in a televised game.
For more information on Panthers basketball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.