Claflin University Hosts Central State in SIAC Men’s Basketball Conference Opener

Orangeburg, S.C.—The Claflin University men's basketball team will return to action, Tuesday, Nov. 29, when they host Central State University in its 2016-17 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) opener. Tip-off is set for 7:30 pm inside the Tullis Arena on the University campus.

Claflin will enter the league opener as one of the favorites to capture the East Division. In the preseason poll, the Panthers were picked to finish second in the division behind Benedict College.

Claflin has played four non-conference games thus far, posting a 2-2 record with victories over Fayetteville State University (81-63) and Saint Augustine's University (85-78).

As for Central State, the Marauders are 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the SIAC, after defeating Benedict 76-70 in their last outing.

This year's matchup boasts two potent offensive teams as the Panthers are averaging 73.3 points per game, a little under Central State (74.6).

Claflin relies heavily on the three-point shot, hitting on a more than respectable 42 percent (37-of-88) for the season. The Panthers have hit the double-digit mark three times in made three-pointers with a season-high of 13 against Francis Marion.

Senior Trevor Dantzler leads the team in scoring with 14. Dantzler had a career-high seven three-pointers against Saints Augustine's.

Dantzler is followed in the scoring column for the Panthers by senior Ryan McNeill-Moses at 11.5 points. McNeill-Moses is also leading the team in rebounding at 5.3 boards per outing.

Other top offensive players for the Panthers include junior Benjamin "Tre" Williams at 9.8 points and sophomore Triston Thompson at 9.3 points. Thompson is dishing out 3.5 assists per contest.

Central State is led in scoring by senior Keilan Blanks with 14.8 points and junior Dwight Richard at 10.8 a game.

Claflin will continue its SIAC slate, hosting Kentucky State University Thursday (Dec. 1) and Lane College on Saturday (Dec. 3).

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Players Mentioned

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

#21 Ryan McNeill-Moses: F; 6' 4"; Senior

#4 Triston Thompson: G; 5' 9"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

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

#21 Ryan McNeill-Moses
: 6' 4"; Senior
: F

#4 Triston Thompson
: 5' 9"; Sophomore
: G

Players Mentioned

#5 Trevor Dantzler

#21 Ryan McNeill-Moses

#4 Triston Thompson

Players Mentioned

#5 Trevor Dantzler

#21 Ryan McNeill-Moses

#4 Triston Thompson