WINSTON-SALEM, NC - The Claflin Panthers (13-9, 10-3 CIAA) combined some clutch play at both ends of the court to claim a 70-69 road win over the Winston-Salem State Rams (7-15, 2-11 CIAA), Thursday evening. With a four-point deficit, 69-65, in the final 1:32 left to play, the Panthers scored five unanswered points to claim the clutch road victory. Claflin senior guard Cristian Sanon hit a game-winning lay-up with 27 left to play before sophomore center Alex Atkinson sealed the win with a game-winning block at the buzzer to claim the victory.
 
The Panthers took the win behind some tough play at both ends of the court. The team shot 44.3% (27-of-61) from the floor while holding Winston-Salem State to shooting 37.5% (24-of-64) from the floor. Claflin junior guard Xavier Tubbs-Matthews led a balanced attack for the Panthers. He led the team with 13 points and five assists in the win. He was one of five Panthers to reach double-digit scoring in the game. Sophomore center Alex Atkinson added 12 points with nine rebounds and two blocks, including the game-winner. Sanon added 12 points, while junior guard Ramere Draper added 12 points with six assists, and a steal. Claflin junior guard Braylon Jackson added 11 points in the game as well.
 
With the win, the Panthers improve to 13-9 overall and 10-3 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play. The team will remain on the road for their next action when they head to Salisbury, North Carolina to take on the Livingstone College Blue Bears on Saturday.
 
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.