James Eads scored a game-high 24 points in first round action of the 2018 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Basketball Tournament but the Golden Tigers allowed Claflin to pull away late, falling 73-62 Tuesday afternoon at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham (Ala.).

In a game that featured five ties and five lead changes, TU led for 22:45 of the contest and took a 33-30 lead into halftime but was also outscored 43-29 in the second half. The Panthers also imposed their will in the paint limiting the Golden Tigers to just 22 points versus 40 of their own. Claflin also gained more productivity off of its bench, winning in that area 18-8.

Eads, who was voted on as an All-SIAC guard shot an efficient 8-of-15 from field including five three pointers. Myles Thomas posted 17 points along with seven rebounds and made two three pointers while Travis Flagg returned after missing the last two games added 12 points and five assists. Mike Young came of the bench to score six points and six rebounds.

After going 6-of-11 from three point range in the first half, the Golden Tigers were only able to convert 2-of-10 in the second half. TU made a total of eight three pointers on the evening and held the Panthers to 2-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. 

Claflin was led by Triston Thompson and Benjamin Williams who scored 15 points apiece.