Box Score Desmond Raymond's game high 22 points helped the Tigers of the University of West Alabama (3-2) defeat the Panthers of Claflin University (3-4) 85-62, in men's basketball Tuesday evening, in Livingston, AL.
The Panthers were without three top players who, did not make the trip, in what Head Coach Ricky Jackson said, "Was violation of team rules." This made the Panthers roster short of players in key positions i.e. the post and small forward. However the Panthers made a valiant effort holding the home standing Tigers to just 31 first half points, and going into the break down by 11 points 31-20.
In the second half Claflin showed the evidence of its short bench giving up 54 second half points to the Tigers while Claflin scored 42 points. The statistic that stood out glaringly were the rebounds where UWA out rebounded Claflin 41-21 for the game.
Following Raymond for the Tigers was Cordell Pope with 19 points, while Jarell Byrd and DeMarco Spears chipped in 11 points each.
Montel Williams seemed to have had his breakout game against West Alabama leading the Panthers in scoring with 20 points.
Joseph Pellegrino added 13 points to the Panthers' cause.
The Panthers will take a week off due to final exams, and return to action December 11
th at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, for a 7:30 pm contest.
