CHARLOTTE, NC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (15-7, 11-5 CIAA) closed the 2025-26 regular season on a high note when the team took a 49-39 win over the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (), Saturday afternoon. The Lady Panthers took the win behind a great defensive effort and picked up their third straight win and built some much needed momentum heading into the 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women's Basketball Championship Tournament.

Defense was the order of the day for both teams with the Lady Panthers and Golden Bulls both making points hard to come by. The Lady Panthers needed just 16 field goals made to win the defensive game and finished shooting 28.6% (17-of-56) from the floor, but the team held their opponents to shooting just 27.3% (18-of-66). Claflin senior guard Ariel Lucas led the way with 17 points in the game. Claflin freshman MaKailah Davis added 12 points with two rebounds in the game. Claflin sophomore center Olivia Randolph continued to be a presence for the team with 12 rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals in the game.

With the win, the Lady Panthers close the regular season with a 15-7 overall record and 10-5 in CIAA play. The team also improves to 5-4 in CIAA Southern Division play. The team will now await seeding for the upcoming 2026 CIAA Women's Basketball Championship Tournament.

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.