ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (0-1) gave it everything they had, but the team came up just short in a 68-64 loss to the Lynn Fighting Knights (2-1). After falling behind by as many as 11 points in the first half, the Lady Panthers staged a furious second half comeback that came up literally inches short in the finals seconds of the 68-64 loss.
 
After a slow start, the Lady Panthers played a solid overall game. The team combined to shoot 42.8% (26-of-61) from the floor. The team did put on a strong defensive effort with four blocks shots and forcing 20 Lynn turnovers. Claflin senior forward Ashari Lewis led the way for the team with 17 points, a block and two steals in the game. The effort was just two points shy of a career-high for Lewis. Sophomore center Olivia Randolph added eight points with two blocks and five rebounds.
 
With the loss, the Lady Panthers fall to 0-1 to open the 2025-26 season. The team will return to action, Saturday, when the host the Morris Yellowjackets in a 1:00 p.m. game. For more information on Lady Panthers basketball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.