BLUEFIELD, WV - The Claflin Panthers (9-7, 3-3 CIAA) and the Bluefield State Big Blue (7-5, 2-2 CIAA) played a game for the ages that literally came down to the final seconds that ended with the Panthers taking a dramatic 85-82 road loss. The loss came down to the final seconds as a costly Claflin foul with just eight seconds left sealed the Panthers' loss.
 
The loss came despite a solid effort by the Panthers. As a team, the Panthers shot a solid 43.8% (28-of-64) from the floor. The usually balanced Claflin squad was led by a trio of high-scoring performers. Claflin senior guard John Whitehead, III, led the way with 24 points in the game. He also added a pair of steals, a block, and four rebounds. He went six-for-13 from the three-point line in the game. Senior forward Zion Obanla added a 21-point effort off the bench with two steals, and five rebounds. Senior guard Jailen Williams added 14 points with five assists.
 
The game was a close one from the beginning to the end. Neither team led by more than six points throughout the entire game. The Panthers' last lead of the game came with 5:55 left to play after a three-pointer from junior guard Michael Shuler. From there, the Panthers kept the game within reach, including cutting their deficit down to just one point, 83-82 with 00:11 left to play. Unfortunately, a critical Claflin foul with just eight seconds to play led to a pair of Big Blue free throws that sealed the loss.
 
With the loss, the Panthers fall to 9-7 overall and 3-3 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play. The team will return to action, Wednesday, when they host the Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons at the Edward L. Tullis Arena.
 
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.