CHARLOTTE, NC (January 30, 2022) – The Claflin Panthers (4-15, 3-7 CIAA) played their best road game of the season as the team rolled to a 72-61 win over the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (4-12, 1-7 CIAA), Saturday afternoon. The Panthers put on one of their best overall efforts of the season to claim their second Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) win away from the friendly confines of Tullis Arena.
The Panthers combined one of their best offensive showings of the season with a strong defensive effort to claim the win. As a team, the Panthers shot a scorching hot 50% (27-of-54) from the floor. The team was equally impressive as they held the Golden Bulls to shooting just 43.8% (21-of-48) at home. Claflin freshman guard Richard Visitacion scored a career-high 20 points to lead the way for the Panthers. He was joined by senior forward Isaiah Jennings who also added 20 points as well.
It was a hot start by the Panthers that gave the team control of the game. The Panthers wasted little time in jumping ahead as a Jennings lay-up with 8:38 left put Claflin ahead 24-11. A Visitacion three-pointer with 2:01 left in the half gave the Panthers their largest lead of the half, 36-21. From there, the team remained in control and took a 38-25 lead into the locker room at halftime.
In the second half, the Panthers showed their winning spirit as they held the Golden Bulls at bay and the team pulled away with the victory. The Panthers controlled much of the half as the team kept the Golden Bulls away. However, the team allowed the Golden Bulls to get as close as five points, 64-59, with 2:09 left to play before the Panthers combined some clutch free throw shooting with some strong defense to close out the 72-61 victory.
With the win, the Panthers improve to 4-15 overall and 3-7 in CIAA play. The team will return home for their next action when they host the Saint Augustine’s Falcons in a 7:30 p.m. game at Tullis Arena.