Aiken, S.C. — The Claflin University women's basketball team battled to find its offensive rhythm but came up short Wednesday night, falling 60-49 to USC Aiken on the road. The loss leaves the Lady Panthers with a 1-1 record through the opening week of the 2026-27 season.
The Lady Panthers spent much of the first half searching for an offensive rhythm as USC Aiken took advantage of its early opportunities. Claflin managed eight points in the opening quarter before adding 12 in the second, allowing the Pacers to build a 33-20 halftime advantage.
Claflin came out of the break with renewed energy. The Lady Panthers put together their most productive stretch of the night in the third quarter, scoring 19 points while shooting 42.9% from the field. They also connected on three of five attempts from beyond the arc, showing improved offensive execution and cutting the USC Aiken lead to 47-39 entering the final period.
The momentum provided an opportunity for Claflin to close the gap, but the Pacers answered in the fourth quarter and kept the Lady Panthers from making a complete comeback. USC Aiken outscored Claflin 13-10 in the final period to secure the 60-49 decision.
Imani Johnson provided a significant lift off the bench, leading Claflin with 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting, including two 3-pointers.
Jazzmine Smith added 12 points and three steals, while
Ryian Howard finished with eight points and four rebounds.
Makailah Davis contributed seven points and five rebounds, and
Olivia Randolph pulled down six rebounds.
The Lady Panthers created opportunities on the defensive end, recording nine steals and converting those efforts into 18 points off turnovers. Claflin also finished with 24 points in the paint and received 17 points from its bench.
While the result did not go their way, the second-half response offered a positive takeaway for a Claflin team still finding its identity early in the season. The Lady Panthers will look to carry that energy and build on the lessons from their opening two games as they prepare for conference competition.
Up Next
The Lady Panthers return home to open CIAA play against Bowie State University on Thursday, Nov. 19, at noon inside Tullis Arena. The contest will serve as Education Day and kick off Claflin's Homecoming week basketball festivities.
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About Claflin University Athletics
Claflin University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution that sponsors 13 intercollegiate sports. The university's athletic program includes volleyball; women's flag football; men's and women's cross country; men's and women's basketball; softball; men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field; and baseball. Claflin's teams compete primarily in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), while the baseball program competes in the Peach Belt Conference.
