MILLERSVILLE, PA - The Claflin Panthers (0-1) looked good at times, but the team opened the 2024-25 season with an 89-70 road loss to the Millersville Marauders (1-0) in the Ron Wilson Classic. The Panthers' balanced offensive attack fell short in the road loss.
 
As a team, the Panthers had a solid game with some impressive offense. The Panthers shot a solid 41.9% (31-of-74) from the floor with just 10 turnovers. Claflin junior guard Gregory Spurlock led four Claflin double-digit scorers with 16 points and three rebounds in the game. Senior forward Zion Obanla added 15 points with five rebounds while senior guard Jailen Williams nearly recorded a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds to go along with five assists.
 
The Panthers looked impressive early in the game. A Williams jumper with 13:55 left in the first half gave the team an 11-5 lead, their largest of the game. Unfortunately, the team ended the half trailing, 38-27. In the second half, the Panthers were able to cut their deficit down to just seven points, 75-68, after a Spurlock three-pointer with 5:01 left to play. However, the team would get no closer when they finished the day with the 89-70 loss.
 
The Panthers will return to action, tomorrow when they take on the Mansfield Mounties in a 1:00 p.m. game.
 
For more information on the Panthers basketball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.