Staff report

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Lariah Stevens scored 18 points to lead Claflin past Livingstone, 64-49, here Thursday night in women’s college basketball action.

The non-conference loss was Livingstone’s fourth straight and the Blue Bears break for Christmas at 3-7. The next game is scheduled for Dec. 30, at home against St. Andrews.

Claflin (8-3) also defeated Livingstone in Salisbury on Nov. 22, 75-65.

The Blue Bears, who shot just 31 percent for the game, dug a 20-9 hole in the first quarter, but actually came all of the way back to lead at halftime, 28-27.

However, the Panthers turned it on in the second half, outscoring the visitors, 37-21. Claflin’s Dominique Williams drilled a 3-point basketball early in the third period, for a 30-28 lead, and the Panthers never trailed again.

Guard Zena Lovette again led Livingstone’s offense, this time with 17 points. Senior guard Brittany Taylor followed with 12 points.

LIVINGSTONE (49) — Patterson 3, Taylor 12, Lovette 17, Buchanan 4, Redfern, Green 6, Cardriche 2, Young 5.

CLAFLIN (64) — Dickens 8, Johnson , Stokes 2, Marcus 1, Z. Williams, D. Williams 8, Hughes 5, Ramos 5, Giles 8, Marks 4, Chisolm 5, Barnes-Jordan, Stevens 18, Robinson.

Livingstone       9     19    11      10 — 49

Claflin               20     7     16     21 — 64