MELBOURNE, FL - The Claflin Panthers (6-5) opened the Florida Tech Christmas Classic with an 85-75 loss to the Lynn Fighting Knights (8-3), Friday evening. The Panthers put on a solid defensive performance, but the team could not get their offense going in the hard fought loss.

Though the team took the loss, the Panthers played a solid overall game. As a team, the Panthers shot a solid 45.8% (33-of-72) from the floor. Claflin junior guard Brayon Jackson led the way for the team. He scored a season-high 22 points in the game. Senior center David Onyekonwu also had a great game with 18 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks. Junior guard Ramere Draper also added 12 points with five assists and six rebounds. 

With the loss, the Panthers fall to 6-5 on the season. The team will return to action, tomorrow, when they take on the host Florida Tech Panthers in a 5:00 p.m. game. For more information on Panthers basketball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5543 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.