Pantherettes Remain Undefeated With Win Over Clark-Atlanta 57-52 

Panthers Defeat Clark-Atlanta 55-50

Claflin University Panthers won the battle of the “Panthers on Saturday night, in the Jonas T. Kennedy Center. Each game was closely contested as Coach Ron Woodard’s Panthers (3-1) defeated the Panthers of Clark-Atlanta University 55-50, and the Pantherettes (3-0), of Coach Miriam Samuels besting the CAU lady Panthers 57-52.

The women’s game was as close as it could get for most of the first half, with neither team able to gain more than a 5 point lead. Clark-Atlanta’s 4 point lead came at the 8:26 mark with the score 21-17. The Pantherettes would enjoy their largest lead of the half 10 points at the 1:03 mark 31-21. The Pantherettes held an 8 point lead at the break 31-23.

The second half began with both teams trading baskets for the first 11 minutes with Claflin holding on to an 11 point lead 48-37. At this point in the contest the Pantherettes went cold from the field as CAU closed the gap by utilizing their superior size inside to cut the Pantherette lead to just 2 points 54-52 with :59 left to play. With CAU having to foul Latoya Savage went to the line and iced the game making 3-4 free-throws for the final margin of victory.  

Danielle Walker led all scores with 18 points for CAU. Karla Westmore collected 12 points, and Taneshia Wright added 10 points

Claflin University was led by Jayshaun Bailey with 14 points to go with her 11 rebounds. Savage also scored 14 points. Donisha Albert added 10 points for the Pantherette cause.

The Men’s game was a physical battle as both teams played stingy defense, as both teams shot 35% from the floor. The stats showed that the game was won in the points off turn-over category. CAU scored 13 points off CU’s 21 turnovers, as CU scored 20m points of CAU 25 miscues. There were 5 lead changes and 6 ties in the contest. 

The game was nip and tuck for most all of the contest, with the first half ending in a 19-19 tie. 

The second half was just as exciting as both teams seemed to know each others plays, by forcing each other into numerous turn-overs. With Claflin holding on to a 1 point lead Phillip Brown connected from the right corner for 3 points, to make it a two position game 49-45 with :55 left. Claflin would not enjoy its largest lead of 8 points, 45-53 until there were just :20 left in the game. Crucial free-throws by Phillip Brown going 4-5 down the stretch, which preserved the victory.

CAU’s Kevin Johnson led all scores with 19 points. Jouirdain Blackmon and Najee’ Lane each scored 8 points.

The Panthers of Claflin University was led by Brown with 15 points. Karl Ray and Ernest Sinkfield contributed 8 points.