ETTRICK, VA - The Claflin Panthers (5-4, 2-0 CIAA) came up big in the final minute to claim a 77-73 win at Virginia State (5-6, 1-1 CIAA). With the game tied, 73-73 with just 1:31 left to play, junior guard Horace Jacques, Jr. hit a clutch jumper to put the Panthers back on top while holding the Panthers scoreless for the remainder of the game.
 
Once again, the Panthers utilized a balanced attack to claim the win. Five Panthers reached double-digit scoring in the game. Claflin junior guard Xavier Matthews-Tubbs led the way with 16 points off the bench in the game. Claflin junior guard Ramere Draper added 13 points with three rebounds. Senior guard Cristian Sanon added 12 points with four rebounds and Jackques, Jr. added 11 points with five rebounds. At the defensive end, Claflin sophomore center Alex Atkinson added two blocks, a steal, and 15 rebounds in the game.
 
With the win, the Panthers improve to 5-4 overall and improve to 2-0 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play. The team will close out their road trip when they head to Elizabeth City, North Carolina to face the Elizabeth City State Vikings.
 
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.