December 4, 2008 – ATLANTA – The Maroon Tigers suffered their first home loss of the season, handing the game away to the Claflin University Panthers, 61-49.

The difference in the game was the 18 Morehouse turnovers that Claflin converted into the margin of victory.

Morehouse shot a better percentage from the floor and the free-throw line, and out-rebounded the Panthers, but the visitors from Orangeburg, SC won the turnover battle and remained unbeaten.

One of the bright spots for Morehouse was free-throw shooting. The Tigers hit 13-of-15 shots from the line, for 86.7 percent – the best so far this season.

Claflin, the new kid on the NCAA block who joined the SIAC this season, improved to 5-0 (5-0 SIAC).

Forward J.P. Felder, usually a defensive stalwart, was high man for the Tigers. The senior from Smyrna, GA shot 5-of-7 from the field and 4-of-5 from the charity stripe, for 13 points. He also hauled in five rebounds.

Morehouse scoring leader Lawrence Diamond scored 10 points – half his season average – and pulled down 11 rebounds, to register his first double-double of the season.

Despite being hampered by an ankle injury that limited his mobility and jumping, center Kenney Boyd led all players with 12 rebounds, to go with eight points.

Junior guard Rico Gray came off the bench to chip in 10 points and five assists. Early in the first half, key reserve Justin Jack separated his shoulder and had to leave the game.

Ernest Sinkfield sank five three-pointers and nine free throws, to lead the Panthers in scoring, with 26 points.

Morehouse moves to 3-2 (1-1 SIAC).

The Tigers will travel to Birmingham, to face the Miles Golden Bears, Saturday, at 7:30 p.m., in the last game of the year. Games will resume January 5, 2009, when Morehouse plays Paine in Augusta, GA.