ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Panthers (9-6, 3-2 CIAA) staged a strong second half comeback, but the effort was not enough when the team took an 84-70 loss to the Virginia State Trojans (8-4, 3-0 CIAA), Saturday. The Panthers scored 43 second half points, but the effort was not enough for the team to claim the win.
 
The Panthers took the loss despite a balanced effort throughout the game. Four Panthers reached double-digit scoring in the game. Claflin senior guard Gregory Spurlock led the way with 16 points, three assists, and three steals. Senior forward Damerius Wash, senior forward John Whitehead, III, and junior forward David Onyekonwu each scored 13 points in the game.
 
With the loss, the Panthers fall to 9-6 overall and 3-2 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play. The team will return to action in 2025 when they head to Bluefield, West Virginia to take on the Bluefield State Big Blue.
 
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.