Claflin Rally to Defeat Central State in SIAC Road Contest

WILBERFORCE, Ohio -- Triston Thompson hit a three-pointer with 25 seconds left and Timothy Christian II added a pair of free throws as Claflin University rallied to defeat Central State University (CSU) 72-69 in a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) basketball game Saturday.

With the come-from-behind win, Claflin's 12th straight, the Panthers improved its season worksheet to 13-1, but more importantly, unbeaten in the SIAC at 6-0.

CSU falls to 4-8 and 3-4.

Triston Thompson led four Panther players in double-figures with 18 points. He also added three assists and three steals.

Jordan Jones had 16 points while Jaleel Charles posted his sixth double-double of the season, scoring 15 points and pulling down a team-high 11 rebounds before fouling out in the final seconds of the game. He also blocked three shots.

Albert Miller rounded out the double-figure scoring for the Panthers with 12 points, while Tyler Thompson dished out a team-high six assists.

Miller and Jones knocked down four three-pointers each for Claflin, who finished with 11 three-point baskets in the game.

Chris Scott of CSU was the game's top scorer with 31 points and 11 rebounds.

Claflin trailed 57-45 with 7:57 left in the game. It was back-to-back three-pointers from Jones that tied the contest at 64-64 with 1:57 left and again with 53 seconds showing on the clock for the 67-67 tie.

CSU regained the lead, 68-67, with 47 seconds left off a free three from Scott. Claflin gained its first and only lead of the game on Triston Thompson's second three-pointer of the game to give the Panthers the 70-68 lead with 25 seconds remaining.

In the closing seconds, Christian II added a pair of free throws to enable the Panthers to remain unbeaten on the road this season at 9-0.

The game had just the one lead change late along with two ties as Claflin trailed for the 37:59 minutes.

Claflin will continue its two-game road trip, taking on Kentucky State University in another SIAC contest Monday (Jan. 1) in Frankfort, Ky. at 7:30 p.m.

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