Courtesy of the CIAA
Claflin (17–8, 12–5 CIAA) put together one of its most complete defensive performances of the season on Thursday afternoon, shutting down Virginia State (17–8, 11–5 CIAA) in a decisive 56–42 victory in the CIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament quarterfinals at CFG Bank Arena. The Panthers were powered by a breakout showing from Food Lion Player of the Game Tyra Floyd, whose 16 points and four three-pointers fueled Claflin’s wire-to-wire win. With the victory, Claflin advances to face #1 Southern Division seed Winston-Salem State in the semifinal round on Friday, February 27 at 12:00 PM.
Claflin wasted no time establishing control. Floyd opened the game with back-to-back threes and buried another from deep moments later, giving the Panthers an early spark and forcing Virginia State into quick adjustments. Her poise from the perimeter set the tone for a team that shot a blistering 7-of-14 from three and refused to relinquish the lead for the entire contest.
While Floyd’s hot start ignited the offense, Claflin’s half-court defense smothered Virginia State from the opening tip. The Panthers allowed just 10 points in the first quarter and nine in the second, holding VSU to 33.3% shooting for the game and limiting the Trojans to only two made threes on 15 attempts. Every possession was contested, every cut shadowed, and every interior touch challenged.
Alongside Floyd’s scoring, sophomore guard Ashari Lewis delivered one of her best all-around performances of the season. She finished with 14 points, hit a timely three in the second half, and knocked down key free throws down the stretch to keep Claflin firmly in control. Her ability to attack gaps and create off the bounce gave the Panthers valuable offensive balance as the game tightened in the later stages.
Claflin also received major contributions in the paint. Olivia Randolph anchored the interior with seven rebounds, four points, and two blocks, cleaning up defensive possessions and preventing VSU from generating second-chance opportunities. Makailah Davis added seven rebounds off the bench, while Mia Lewis provided four points and steady defensive pressure.
Virginia State struggled to find rhythm all afternoon but remained competitive behind the effort of Michaela Lane, who posted nine points and nine rebounds, and Shayla Wyatt, who contributed eight points and efficient interior finishing. The Trojans put together multiple small runs in the third quarter—pulling within four at one point—but each surge was met by Claflin’s calm execution and timely scoring.
A key sequence came late in the third, as Lewis hit two free throws, Randolph finished inside on consecutive possessions, and Floyd added a transition layup to rebuild a double-digit lead. From there, Claflin’s discipline on both ends carried them to the finish.
In the fourth quarter, the Panthers held VSU to just one field goal over a four-minute stretch, extending their lead with free throws and strong defensive rebounding. Floyd capped her stellar night with her fourth three-pointer at the 2:17 mark, pushing the margin back to double digits and sealing Claflin’s path into the tournament’s final four.
The Panthers finished the afternoon shooting 42.9% from the floor and committing only eight turnovers—one of their cleanest offensive performances of the season—while their bench added a crucial 19 points to support the starting unit.
With the 14-point victory, Claflin continues its tournament momentum and now turns its focus to Friday’s semifinal matchup against top-seeded Winston-Salem State, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown between two of the CIAA’s most disciplined defensive squads.
