ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Panthers (1-0) got the 2023-24 season started in an impressive fashion when the team took a 98-95 victory over the Coker Cobras (1-3), Saturday afternoon. The Panthers used a balanced offensive attack to stay with the equally impressive Cobras offense.
 
As a team, the Panthers had a great offensive showing. The team shot a stellar 53.8% (35-of-65) from the floor while holding the Cobras to shooting 46.0% (29-of-63). The Panthers had a balanced attack in the game with junior forward Zion Obanla leading the way. He scored 16 points with six rebounds to lead the way for the Panthers. He was joined by junior guard John Whitehead, III, who scored 15 points. Claflin senior guard Daijohn Stewart came off the bench for 12 points while senior forward Timothy McElroy, junior forward Damerius Wash, and senior guard Jailen Williams added 11 points each, and junior center HowVante Hutcherson added 10 points each.
 
Both teams came out strong to start the game, but the Panthers allowed the Cobras to take a 52-49 halftime lead before outscoring their opponents, 49-43 to take the 98-95 win. The Panthers headed into the final minute of the game with a 95-91 lead before the Cobras pulled with within striking distance, 97-95 with 00:13 left to play. However, Whitehead, III, would hit a clutch free throw that sealed the  98-95 victory for the Panthers.
 
With the win, the Panthers improve to 1-0 to start the season. The team will return home for their next game as they host the Mount Olive Trojans. For more information on Panthers basketball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.