BLUEFIELD, WVA - The Claflin Panthers (4-4, 1-0 CIAA) clicked on all cylinders when the team took an impressive 87-67 road win over the Bluefield State Big Blue (1-8, 0-2 CIAA), Thursday night. The Panthers put on a terrific game at both ends of the court to secure the victory in their first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) game of the season.
As a team, the Panthers combined some solid offense with some terrific defense to claim the victory. Collectively, the Panthers shot a stellar 56.9% (33-of-58) from the floor while holding Bluefield State to shooting just 37.7% (23-of-61) from the floor. Claflin junior guard
Ramere Draper led the way for the team with 17 points and six rebounds in the game. He was one of four Panthers to reach double-digit scoring. Sophomore forward
Alex Atkinson, Jr. added a double-double 14 points with 10 rebounds and two blocked shots in the game as well. Junior guard
Braylon Jackson came off the bench for 13 points and five rebounds while senior guard
Cristian Sanon added 10 points as well.
With the win, the Panthers stop a two-game slide and open CIAA play with a 1-0 record. The team will remain on the road for their next competition when they head to Ettrick, Virginia to take on the Virginia State Trojans at 8:00 p.m., 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.
