BALTIMORE, MD - The Claflin Lady Panthers (15-11) pushed the top-seeded Virginia Union Panthers (21-6), but the team faded in the final seconds of a 59-55 loss in the quarterfinal round of the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women's Basketball Championship Tournament, Thursday afternoon.
 
Though the Lady Panthers ended the day with the loss, the team had some great moments. The team held a three-point lead with just over two minutes left to play after a lay-up from junior forward Ashari Lewis with 2:26 left to play. The effort left the Lady Panthers with a 54-51 lead. From there, the Lady Panthers were unable to get another field goal while allowing Virginia Union to close out the game with an 8-1 run. The team had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, but a Lewis three-pointer was no good.
 
The Lady Panthers put on a great overall performance despite the tough loss. The team combined some solid offense with some terrific defense in the game. The Lady Panthers held Virginia Union to shooting just 33.3% (19-of-57) from the floor and forced 19 turnovers. Offensively, the Lady Panthers put on a solid game. Senior guard Morris led the way with 19 points in the game. She also added five rebounds and three steals. Lewis came off the bench for 11 points, a block, a steal, and three rebounds. Senior forward Leigha Harris added eight rebounds while freshman center Olivia Randolph added eight rebounds and four blocked shots.
 
With the loss, the Lady Panthers finish the 2024-25 season with a 15-11 record and a trip to the quarterfinal round of the CIAA Women's Basketball Championship Tournament for the third time in four seasons.
 
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.