BOXSCORE
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – No. 3 Claflin escaped No. 6 Kentucky State with a 73-71 overtime win in Tuesday’s opening round game of the 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala.
Claflin(15-12) trailed 64-61 with 18 seconds left but Ryan McNeill-Moses drove to the basket for a layup and converted on the free throw after he was fouled to tie the game at 64. Kentucky State’s Reggie Breeden attempted a jumper at the buzzer but it was rejected by Austin Lawton who recorded six blocks for Claflin.
The Panthers used a 5-0 run in overtime to take a 72-68 edge with less than two minutes remaining. With 50 seconds left Malcolm Smith’s jumper cut Claflin’s lead to 72-71 but Claflin was able to remain ahead to close the game out.
Lawton finished with a team-high 14 points ahead of Karee Watson (13 points, 11 rebounds), Patrell Rogers (13), and Ryan McNeill-Moses (12).
Smith and Breeden each finished with 13 points for Kentucky State who finished the season with an 11-15 record. Breeden also added eight rebounds. Dorian Jordan recorded 12 points ahead of Tryston Ford (11).
Claflin will face the winner between No. 2 Miles/No. 7 Paine on Thursday, March 2 at 3:15 p.m.
For more information about the 2016 SIAC Basketball Tournament,
CLICK HERE.