Claflin Falls to UNC-Wilmington in its 2016-17 Season Opener

Wilmington, N.C.— The Claflin University men's basketball team dropped its only exhibition of the 2016-17, falling to UNC-Wilmington (UNCW) on the road, 110-64, in front of a crowd of 4,246 in Trask Coliseum.

This was the opening game of the season for both teams.

Redshirt-sophomore Austin Lawton and junior transfer Benjamin "Tre" Williams led the Panthers in scoring with 11 apiece. Williams and Lawton also paced the team in rebounding with nine and seven, respectively. Junior transfer Tyler Thompson and Trevor Dantzler came off the bench to score eight points each for Claflin in the loss.

Devontae Cacok recorded a double-double, 14 points-16 rebounds, while Chris Flemmings scored a game-high 28 points for UNCW. C.J. Bryce had 23 points with seven rebounds, Ambrose Mosely had 16 points and Denzel Ingram scored 15 points for the Seahawks in the win.

Claflin offense was stagnant throughout the first half as they were limited to just eight total field goals. The Panthers did however connect on all four of its free-throws.

UNCW managed to connect on all cylinders offensively in the first half. The Seahawks shot 52.5 percent from the field, including making 8-of-15 three-pointers. UNCW also owned the rebounding advantage in the first half, 28-11.

Turnovers also proved to be key in the first half as the Panthers committed 14 for 18 points to just seven by UNCW which Claflin converted into nine points.

"I thought it was a good test for us at the opening of our season," said head coach Ricky Jackson. "UNCW is a good team who can shoot the ball well and they shot well tonight."

The Panthers began the second half much more aggressive. Claflin went basket-for-basket with UNCW over the first 10 minutes of the half before the Seahawks three-point shooters got hot once again. UNCW scored nine points, all three pointers, over one-plus minute to regain control of the game.

"After tonight, we will definitely be ready to compete on Tuesday as we open our home season," Jackson said.

Claflin continued to fight creating free-throw opportunities to score points down the stretch but could not battle back from the big first-half deficit.

The Panthers will host Francis Marion on Tuesday, Nov. 15 in its 2016-17 home-opener. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in Tullis Arena.

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Players Mentioned

#5 Trevor Dantzler: G; 5' 11"; Senior

#33 Austin Lawton: C; 6' 8"; Redshirt Sophomore

#3 Tyler Thompson: G; 5' 8"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#5 Trevor Dantzler
: 5' 11"; Senior
: G

#33 Austin Lawton
: 6' 8"; Redshirt Sophomore
: C

#3 Tyler Thompson
: 5' 8"; Junior
: G

Players Mentioned

#5 Trevor Dantzler

#33 Austin Lawton

#3 Tyler Thompson

Players Mentioned

#5 Trevor Dantzler

#33 Austin Lawton

#3 Tyler Thompson