ORANGEBURG, SC (November 13, 2023) – The Claflin Lady Panthers (1-0) got the 2023-24 season started with a bang when the team took a 65-59 win over the Allen (S.C.) Yellowjackets (1-1), Monday evening. Though neither team managed to get their offense in gear, the Lady Panthers were able to clamp down for some key defensive stops and got some key shots of their own to claim the win.
It was the Lady Panthers’ defense that proved to be the key to claiming the season-opening victory. As a team, the Lady Panthers held Allen (S.C.) to shooting just 32.6% (15-for-46) in the game. The Lady Panthers also forced 29 Yellowjacket turnovers to get the win. The Lady Panthers weren’t without their own offensive struggles as the team shot 33.9% (19-for-56). Claflin senior forward Destiny Coleman led the way with 13 points with four rebounds. Junior guard Jasmin Jefferies added 12 points with four steals in the game.
The Lady Panthers struggled through the first half. The team totaled just seven first quarter points and followed the effort with 15 second quarter points to trail the Yellowjackets, 22-23 at the half. It was in the second half when the Lady Panthers really took control of the game. The Lady Panthers took their first lead of the game with a three-pointer from senior guard Nya Morris with 9:21 left in the third quarter. From there, the Lady Panthers went on to take a 43-41 lead heading into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Lady Panthers outscored the Yellowjackets 23-17 to claim the victory.
With the win, the Lady Panthers open the 2023-24 with a 1-0 record. The team will return home to face the North Greenville Crusaders for Homecoming. 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.
