Orangeburg, S.C.--Benjamin "Tre" Williams scored a career-high 20 points as Claflin University routed Paine College, 95-53, in a Southern, Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) men's basketball game Saturday at the Tullis Arena.
The win was Claflin eighth in its last nine games, improving the Panthers to 12-5 overall and 7-2 in the conference.
Williams was the only Player in double-figures for Claflin. Tyler Thompson contributed nine points, while Ryan McNeill-Moses and De'shon Nail added eight points each.
Jaleel Charles and McNeill-Moses led the Panthers on the boards with six rebounds apiece.
The Panthers offensive production was five points short of a season-high 100 against Shaw University (12/29/2016). Claflin second best is 97 points against Kentucky State University (12/1/2016).
"I was pleased with our offense, but more so the defense," said Claflin head coach Ricky Jackson. "We put a lot points on the scoreboard, which came from our defense forcing turnovers."
Jackson continued, "We forced 24 turnovers for 41 points with a 39-24 edge on the boards, 28 on the defensive end. I was very pleased with our effort, which is what you need to have this time of the year."
Paine, 1-15 overall and winless in the conference at 0-10, was led by Malcom Whittington with 17 points. Kaderious Compton added 14 points.
In the first half it, was all Panthers as the Claflin offense generated a season-high 52 points in the first half. The Panthers shot a sizzling 55.3 % (21-of-38) from the field along with five three-pointers and 12-team assists.
The Claflin defense forced 11 Paine turnovers, resulting in 20 points. The Panthers also had 24 points inside the painted area in the half.
After Paine, jumped out of the gate with a 9-4 lead, things went downhill for the Lions offensively.
The Panthers got hot, using a 25-5 run to build a 29-14 lead at the 11:42 mark.
Claflin finished the half on a 23-7 outburst for 52-21 halftime lead.
Williams tallied 14 points to lead the Panthers offense in the opening half, while nine other players reached the scoring column.
In the second half, Claflin shot even better at 61.3% (19-for-31). The Panthers ended the game, shooting 58% (40-of-69).
The Panthers continued to put points on the scoreboard throughout the half, outscoring Paine 43-32.
Claflin will return to action Tuesday in Columbia, taking on arch-rival Benedict College in a key SIAC contest. Tip off for the contest is 7:30 p.m. at the HRC Arena on the Benedict campus.
