January 8, 2007

Panthers’ Late Rally Too Much for Hornets

80-72

Orangeburg, SC- The Claflin University Panthers used a late second half rally to hand the Hornets of Morris College an 80-72 loss. Claflin found themselves on the short end of a 35-36 halftime score, despite 11 first half points from Ernest Sinkfield. The Hornets’ Raymond Nelson countered Sinkfield’s points with 11 of his own in the first half.

There were 10 lead changes along with six ties in the contest, the last tie at 48-48 with 13:46 left to play. The Panthers enjoyed a seven point advantage on three occasions 69-62 with 4:10 remaining, 71-64 with 3:37 remaining, and 72-65 with 2:54 left to play. The visitors caught fire and went on a 5-0 run to shave the Panther lead to two points 72-70 with 2:24 left to go. An 8-0 run to end the game squashed all hopes of the Hornets pulling off the win.

Morris was led by Nelson with 18 points and Reshrond Tucker added 17 points.

The Panthers had balanced scoring as four players scored in double figures. Ernest Sinkfield 18 points, Jerome Starr 16 points, Karl Ray 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Casey Jackson with 10 points and 9 rebounds.

The Panthers will host the Benedict Tigers on Wednesday evening at 8:00 p.m. in the Jonas T. Kennedy Center.