ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (6-2, 1-0 CIAA) opened Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play in dramatic fashion when the team took an 80-76 win over the Shaw Lady Bears (5-6, 0-1 CIAA). After controlling most of the game, the Lady Panthers had to fend off a furious second half comeback by the Lady Bears.
 
The Lady Panthers took the win behind a strong overall effort in the game. The team shot a solid 43.3% (29-of-67) from the floor, including shooting 43.5% (10-of-23) from the three-point line. Claflin sophomore guard Lauren Scott led four Lady Panthers in double-digit scoring with 22 points and seven rebounds in the game. Fellow sophomore guard Nya Lewis added 19 points with a team-high eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Janelle Sample added 12 points with six rebounds while sophomore forward Morgan Kelson added 10 points with five rebounds.
 
In the first half, the Lady Panthers took control early and remained in control as they took a 40-35 lead. The Lady Panthers held their largest lead, 36-25, after a Kelson lay-up with 5:54 left in the second quarter. From there, the team took their lead into the locker room at the half.
 
The early second half told a different story with the Shaw Lady Bears storming out with a great start, but the Lady Panthers soon answered. After allowing the Lady Bears to open the half with a 14-point run, the Lady Panthers found themselves trailing, 40-49 with 6:53 left in the third quarter. The Lady Panthers answered in a big way with an 18-2 run to close the quarter a went into the fourth quarter with a 58-51 lead.
 
Things got dramatic in the fourth quarter. After a Morris jumper with 7:07 left to play gave the Lady Panthers a 67-58 lead, the Lady Panthers saw their lead erased by a furious comeback from the Lady Bears. After falling behind, 75-76, Scott hit a clutch three-pointer with 00:19 left to play to give the Lady Panthers a 78-67 lead. From there, a Panthers stop and another pair of clutch free throws from Scott sealed the Lady Panthers' win.
 
With the win, the Lady Panthers improve to 6-2 overall and the team opens CIAA play with a 1-0 start. The team will return to action, Monday when they host the Carolina Bruins in a non-conference game. For more information on Lady Panthers basketball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.