INSTITUTE, WVA - The Claflin Panthers (1-1) put up a terrific effort, but the team could not pull out the win in a 96-90 loss at West Virginia State (2-0), Saturday afternoon. Though the Panthers had some great individual performances, the team could not quite pull out the win.
 
As a team, the Panthers played a solid game. In addition to scoring 90 points in the game, the Panthers shot a solid 40.0% (34-of-85) from the floor with just eight turnovers. Claflin junior forward Alex Atkinson had a dynamic individual performance in the game. He finished the game with a 24-point, 21-rebound double-double in the game. He was one of four Panthers with double-digit scoring in the game. Claflin junior guard Horace Jacques, Jr. added 14 points while sophomore guard Justin Mims added 13 points.
 
With the loss, the Panthers fall to 1-1 on the season. The team will return to action, Saturday when they host the South Carolina Christian Central Gladiators. 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.