January 10, 2007

BENEDICT COLLEGE HANDS CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY A 50-44 LOSS

Orangeburg, SC- The Tigers of Benedict College handed the Panthers of Claflin University (6-7) a 50-44 loss. The game was closely contested throughout the entire contest.

Leslie Brown led the Tigers with 17 points. Zackary  Baron added 15 points for Benedict.

The Panthers Jerome Starr was the only player for Coach Ron Woodard to score in double figures with 14 points.

The first half was the classic rivalry, as both teams held six points lead during the opening stanza. Claflin held their lead 17-11 at the 4:44 mark, and Benedict 8-2 early in the game at the 14:59 mark in the opening half.

With no team having any breathing room, this game would come down to the wire. As the Panthers trailed by two points, Jerome Starr banked in a three pointer gave the home team a one point lead, 44-43, with 4:45 left in the game. Zackary Baron was fouled by Karl Ray, who picked up his fifth personal foul on the play. Baron made 1-2 to tie the score at 44 with 1:43 left. After a CU turnover on a backcourt violation gave the Tigers the ball back. On the next possession Leslie Brown of Benedict was fouled  and made both free throws to give the Tigers a 46-44 lead at the 1:22 mark. After a CU timeout the Panthers turned the ball over with :58.8 left to play. Next Benedicts’ Lamont Robinson went strong to the basket and was fouled in the act of shooting. Robinson made 1-2 free throws as the score stood 47-44. Benedict rebounded, the missed free throw and Claflin’s Jerome Starr fouled Brown picking up his fifth foul in the process. Brown made 1-2, for a 48-44 score. Again on the second free throw Benedict rebounded, the missed shot, and Brown was fouled again going to the basket, by Casey Jackson. Brown missed both free throws, but again the Tigers rebounded, the missed free throw to regain possession. Chad Cartwright had to foul Brown, with 5.5 left to play in the game. Brown went to the line and sank both free throws to make the score 50-44. A three pointer at the buzzer by Brian Johnson fell short as the Tigers won the contest 50-44.   

The first half was the classic rivalry, as both teams held six points lead during the opening stanza.

The Panthers next home game will be on January 15, with Fort Valley State University beginning at 8:00 p.m. The Panthers will participate in the HBCU Classic in Greenville SC, January 13, 2007, at Southside High School, beginning at 3:00 p.m.