Elizabeth City, NC- Claflin University's Panthers split two games in the Elizabeth City Basketball Classic, played on the campus of Elizabeth City State University.
On Friday evening the Panthers (1-2) lost a close 57-66 contest to Newport News Apprentice College (3-2) in the opening round of the classic.
Tevin Andrews led Apprentice with a double-double, 23 points and 12 rebounds, followed by Lavontae Thomas with 16 points.
Claflin was led offensively by Jerrod Denard with 15 points,
Mark Harp 12 points, and
David Glover chipped in 10 points.
Saturday afternoon was a different story, as the Panthers got back into the win column by defeating Bluefield College, 72-57 evening their early season record to 2-2.
Claflin was superior on defense and on the boards, out rebounding, their opponent 44-24 and forcing 16 turnovers to secure their second win of the season.
Byron Carpenter led Bluefield with 22 points, as Andrew Wilson added 10 points.
The Panthers were led by
Mark Harp with 18 points and
Michael Henry with 12 points as the Panthers dominated the paint in the contest.
The Panthers and Lady Panthers return to action Wednesday November 28, 2012 at Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, for a 5:30 tip-off.
