COLUMBIA, SC - The Claflin Panthers (16-4) had to fend off tough Benedict Tigers () to take a thrilling 57-52 win. Though the Panthers controlled much of the game and went ahead by as many as 10 points in the second half, the team had to hol off the Tigers late as Benedict cut the Claflin lead down to two points, 54-52 with just 00:19 left to play. Fortunately, the Panthers were able to pull out the win.

Claflin junior guard Jailen Williams led the way for the team with 18 points and eight rebounds in the game. Senior guard Shamarie McLeod added 10 points. Junior center Timothy McElroy added an eight-point, nine rebound performance while junior guard Bryson Dennis pulled in 10 rebounds.

With the win, the Panthers improve to 16-4 overall. The team will return to action, Saturday, when they host the Livingstone Blue Bears in a game that will be televised nationally on the Black College Sports Network (BCSN). 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.