The Claflin University Panthers (23-2) in their first season as members of the NCAA II and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) have clinched the SIAC regular season title outright with a 65-51 victory over the Golden Bears of Miles College.

The win was sweet revenge as the Golden Bears defeated the Panthers on December 30, 2008. That was one of only two regular season losses for the Panthers this season.

Late second half surges have been the Panthers forte as of late, winning another close game with a great second half run. With Claflin behind 38-39 at the 10:52 mark, the Panthers began to tighten up on the defensive end and by the 4:55 mark the Panthers enjoyed their first 10-point lead of the game 54-44, after going on a 16-5 run. Claflin upped its lead to 15 points, 62-47, with another 8-3 run with 52 seconds left to play.

The first half was tight, as both teams battled to three lead changes and seven ties through a first half that ended with a 25-25 tie.

Flaggs ended the evening with a team-high 16 points, LeDarius Welch tallied 11 points, and Larry Swain added 10 points for Miles. Claflin was led by Karl Ray with a game-high 20 points, Ernest Sinkfield was close behind with 19 points and David Cobb finished with 12 points.

The Panthers turn their attention to the SIAC tournament held in Birmingham, Ala. March 4-8. The Panthers will play Thursday at 8 p.m.

In the women’s game, Claflin defeated Miles College 57-48.

The win saw the Pantherettes completed their first year of competition in the SIAC at 12-10 and 14-11 for season.

Next stop for the Pantherettes is a date in next week’s SIAC tournament.

Miles College finished the regular season 10-12 in conference play and 13-14 overall.

Ashley Sorrell-Gibson led a balanced scoring attack for the Pantherettes with 11 points that included a perfect eight-for-eight at the free-throw line. Cicely Jenkins and Jayshaun Bailey added 10 points each, while Lasaundra Barron chipped in seven.

Cyntonia Jones was the top scorer for the Lady Golden Bears with 13 points. Sade Odutola added 12 points.

Claflin Men ranked in polls

NABC DIVISION II COACHES POLL

1. Findlay

2. C.W. Post

3. BYU-Hawaii

4. Southwest Baptist

5. Augusta State

6. Gannon

7. Central Oklahoma

8. Christian Brothers

9. Claflin

10. Northern Kentucky

11. S.C. Aiken

12. Central Missouri

13. Bentley

14. Southwest Minnesota State

15. Metro State

16. Benedict

17. Southern Indiana

18. Alderson-Broaddus

19. Bellamine

20. Winona State

21. Minnesota State-Mankato

22. Florida Southern

23. Angelo State

24. Kutztown

25. Delta State

NCAA DIVISION II REGIONAL RANKINGS

(SOUTH)

1. Claflin 23-2

2. Christian Brothers 17-3

3. Benedict 22-4

4. Florida Southern 21-5

5. Delta State 15-6

6. Arkansas-Monticello 13-7

7. Rollins 15-8

8. Valdosta State 18-5

9. North Alabama 13-8

10. Arkansas Tech 14-7

 

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