ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Panthers (8-7, 5-1 CIAA) took a heartbreaking 66-64 loss to the Virginia Union Panthers (12-2, 4-1 CIAA), Monday evening. After sophomore forward Alex Atkinson hit a clutch lay-up with just six seconds left to play that gave Claflin a 64-63 lead, the Panthers committed a crucial foul with 0.5 seconds left that gave Virginia Union three free throws that sealed the CU loss.
 
The game was a classic match up between two top teams and it showed in the statistics. Claflin finished the game shooting 39.3% (24-of-61) from the field. Junior guard Ramere Draper led the way for the team with 19 points, five rebounds, a block, and a steal. Senior guard Cristian Sanon added 14 points with five rebounds. Atkinson had a solid game with 12 points and four rebounds while sophomore guard Justin Mims scored 10 points with two rebounds.
 
With the loss, the Panthers fall to 8-7 overall and 5-1 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play. The team will return to action, Saturday, when they host the Livingstone Blue Bears. 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.