INSTITUTE, WVA – The Claflin Panthers (1-1) had some tremendous individual performances, but it was not enough in the team's 96-90 loss to the West Virginia State Yellowjackets (2-0), Saturday afternoon. Though the Panthers had a strong second half, tying the Yellowjackets with 58 points in the half. However, it was not enough to overcome a 32-point first half performance.
 
The loss came despite some dynamic individual performances by the Panthers. Claflin senior forward David Onyekonwu led the way with a dynamic double-double effort. He recorded 24 points with 21 rebounds in the game. Junior Horace Jacques, Jr. added 14 points, while sophomore Justin Mims added 13 points and junior guard Xavier Tubbs-Matthews added 10 points of his own.
 
With the loss, the Panthers fall to 1-1 to start the season. The team will host the South Carolina Christian Central Gladiators in a Homecoming matchup, Saturday. 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.