ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Panthers (3-4) put up a great effort, but the team could not overcome a late first half drought in an 86-72 loss to the UNC Pembroke Braves (4-4), Wednesday evening. After battling early, the Panthers had a slump in the final minutes of the first half that proved to be too much to overcome in the tough loss.
 
The Panthers put on a solid offensive showing in the game. As a team, they shot 43.1% (25-of-68) from the floor. Three Claflin players reached double-digit scoring in the game. Sophomore forward Alex Atkinson led the way with a double-double 17 points and 10 rebounds in the game. He also added two blocked shots. Junior guard Horace Jacques, Jr. added 16 points while fellow junior guard Ramere Draper added 13 points.
 
The Panthers were able to keep the game, close early with a 21-21 tie with just over eight minutes left in the first half. However, it was then that the team began to struggle and allowed UNC Pembroke to go on a 22-7 run to take a 43-28 deficit into the locker room. In the second half, the Panthers were able to cut their deficit down to just 10 points, 58-48, after a Draper lay up with 11:21 left to play. Unfortunately, the Panthers would not get any closer and finished the game with the 86-72 loss.
 
With the loss, the Panthers fall to 3-4. The team will return to the road for their next action as they will open Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play when they head to Bluefield, West Virginia to take on the Bluefield State Big Blues.
 
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.