RICHMOND, VA (January 6, 2023) – The Claflin Lady Panthers (9-3, 3-1 CIAA) saw some breakout performances that that led the team to an impressive 57-52 road win over Virginia Union (7-5, 2-1 CIAA), Thursday evening. The Lady Panthers saw some breakout performances to claim the road victory.
Though the Lady Panthers got the win, the team had to overcome some strong defense to win the game. As a team, the Lady Panthers shot 33.9% (19-of-56) in the game, including shooting just 8.3% (one-for-12) from the three-point line. Claflin senior forward Janell Horton led the way for the Lady Panthers with 14 points in the game and five rebounds. Sophomore forward Morgan Kelson added a tremendous game with 11 points and seven rebounds as well. Freshmen forward Ashari Lewis added a career-high 11 points in the game as well.
The Lady Panthers struggled throughout most of the game. After trailing Virginia Union by as many as 11 points, 23-34, in the third quarter and heading into the fourth quarter with a 37-42 deficit heading into the fourth quarter, the Lady Panthers staged a huge fourth quarter comeback. For the quarter, the Lady Panthers outscored Virginia Union 20-10. It was a lay-up from sophomore guard Nya Morris with 6:21 left in the quarter to get a 45-44 lead. From there, the Lady Panthers pushed their lead to as many as seven points, 53-46, with 2:53 left to play. From there, the Lady Panthers held off a late charge by Virginia Union to seal the win.
With the win, the Lady Panthers improve to 9-3 overall and 3-1 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The team will return to action, Saturday, when they head to Bowie, Maryland to take on the Bowie State Bulldogs at noon. For more information on Lady Panthers basketball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.