Panthers and Lady Panthers Blowout Lions in Season Opener 

Homecoming was sweet for Claflin University on Saturday evening as both the Panthers and Lady Panthers soundly defeated the Lions and Lady Lions of Paine College, in front of a standing room only crowd in the Tullis Arena.

The Panthers took it to the Lions early in the contest as the Panthers led 20-8 with 14:26 left in the opening stanza. The Panther never looked back for the remainder of the half going up by as many as 19 points 43-24 at the break.

The second half would be a replay of the first, as Claflin began the half with a half-court trap, which produced an easy lay-up by Jerome Starr. That play seemed set the tone for the remainder of the game, as Paine would get no closer than 13 points 46-33 with 15:06 left in the second half. By the 10:00 mark Claflin would enjoy a 20 point lead 61-41. The lead ballooned to 27 points (71-44) with 5:40left, Coach Woodard emptied his bench, as all 16 players saw action. 

Paine was led by Joshua Adams with a game high 22 points. Julian English had 18 points. And Jajee Tolbert added 14 points in a losing cause.

Phillip Brown led the Panthers offensive attack with 19 points. Jerome Starr had 13 points. Eric Salley added 12 points. Benjamin Lawmann contributed 10 points. Karl Ray also had 10 points to go along with his 12 rebounds.

The Panthers travel to Atlanta, GA November 20 to take on Morehouse College.

The Lady Panthers of Claflin University made the win over Paine College three times as sweet with a 78-55 victory. It was Homecoming, the season opener, and a win over a perennial SIAC power.

The Lady Panthers led from beginning to end, with only one tie 2-2 at the 19:46 mark of the first half. The Lady Panthers would take a 10 point lead (31-21) into the dressing room at halftime.  

In the Second half the Lady Panther lead would quickly build to 20 points (41-21) at the 17:20 mark to go in the game. The Lady Panther enjoyed their largest lead 25 points (76-51) with 1:41 left to play.

Paines Lady Lions were led in scoring by Chantal Murray with 12 points. Latoya Ashley came away with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Coach Samuels troops played an all-around game offensively and defensively holding Paine to just 55 points. Jayshaun Bailey and LaSaundra Barron scored 14 points to lead the Lady Panthers. Donisha Albert scored 13 points. Latoya Savage contributed 10 points in the winning cause. Claflin won the battle of the boards 53-49, as Jayshaun Bailey tallied 10 rebounds.

The next opponent for the Lady Panthers will be November 24th against Kentucky State University in Frankfort KY.