ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (9-4, 5-2 CIAA) battled through some offensive struggles, but the team battled in a 56-50 loss to the Livingstone Blue Bears (4-14, 3-4 CIAA), Saturday afternoon. Though the team had a hard time putting points on the scoreboard, the team turned to a strong defensive effort to keep the game close.
 
As a team, the Lady Panthers had some solid performances in the loss. The team shot just 29.9% (20-of-67) from the floor in the game. Claflin sophomore guard Mia Lewis led the team's effort with 11 points in the game. Senior guard Tyra Floyd added 10 points. Sophomore center Olivia Randolph led the Panthers' rebounding effort with nine I the game. She also added a block and two steals.
 
The Lady Panthers' struggles started early with the team falling into a 21-5 deficit at the end of the first quarter. The team bounced back for a strong effort in the second quarter where they outscored the Blue Bears, 19-5, and only trailed 26-24 at the half. The Lady Panthers kept the Blue Bears within reach for the remainder of the game. A lay-up from junior center Emareee Hinton with 8:06 left to play gave the Lady Panthers their first lead of the game, 47-46. Unfortunately, the Lady Panthers would stall once again as they were outscored 9-4 in the final eight minutes of the game and took their second straight defeat.
 
With the loss, the Lady Panthers fall to 9-4 overall. The team will return to action, Wednesday, when they host the Winston-Salem State Rams. 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.