COLUMBIA, SC (February 5, 2023) – The Claflin Lady Panthers (10-10) got back to their winning ways in style when the team took an 81-64 win over the Benedict Lady Tigers (9-12), Thursday evening. The win snapped a seven-game skid for the Lady Panthers and will give the team a much-needed boost heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The Lady Panthers clicked on all cylinders in the win with some strong play at both ends of the court. Offensively, the Lady Panthers shot a scorching hot 50.8% (31-of-61) from the floor, including hitting six three-pointers in the game. Claflin sophomore guard Nya Morris stole the show with a double-double 21 points while fellow sophomore guard Lauren Scott had a great game of her own with 18 points and 10 rebounds in front of her hometown crowd.
The Lady Panthers wasted not time in taking control of the game as they team never trailed. The team took control of the game early, building an early lead before a jumper from senior forward Destiny Coleman left the Lady Panthers with a 17-10 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Lady Panthers remained in the lead, but the team had to fend off the homestanding Lady Tigers. The Lady Panthers pushed their lead to as many as 10 points, 27-17 after another Coleman jumper with 4:29 left in the second quarter. However, the Lady Panthers allowed a late comeback as they took a 36-31 lead into the locker room at halftime.
It was in the second half when the Lady Panthers really took control of the game. The third quarter was especially impressive as the team outscored Benedict 23-10. When a Scott lay-up ended the quarter, the Lady Panthers held a 62-41 run. Though the Lady Panthers were in control of the game in the fourth quarter, the Lady Panthers had to fend off a Benedict team that would not go away easily. The Lady Panthers allowed their lead to be cut down to just 14 points, 78-64, but that was a close as they would allow the Lady Tigers. In the end, the Lady Panthers closed the game with the 81-64 victory.
With the win, the Lady Panthers improve to 10-10 overall. The team will return to action, Saturday at noon when they host the Livingstone College Blue Bears at Edward L. Tullis Arena. 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