RALEIGH, NC --The Saint Augustine's women's basketball team took a 54-53 lead into the fourth quarter, but could not hang on and fell 70-67 to the Claflin Panthers at home Wednesday.

The Falcons (9-8, 3-6) had two players score in double figures, led by Lauren Banks, who had 19 points and three steals. Taniyah Greene tacked on 13 points and nine rebounds and Janiya Reed added eight points and three steals.

Saint Augustine's out-rebounded Claflin 45-41 in Wednesday's game, paced by Greene's nine boards. The Falcons also collected 16 offensive rebounds and scored 11 second chance points.

The Saint Augustine's defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Wednesday's game, forcing 17 Claflin turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 15 points on the offensive end of the floor. Banks' three steals led the way individually for the Falcons.

How It Happened

Saint Augustine's started off strong, putting together a 16-14 lead heading into the second quarter. Saint Augustine's did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring eight of its 16 points close to the basket.

Saint Augustine's built that first quarter lead to 29-23 before going on a 6-0 run starting at the 3:09 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Shikira Perry, to increase its lead to 35-23. The Panthers cut into that lead, but the Falcons still enjoyed a 35-28 advantage heading into halftime. Saint Augustine's dominated in the paint, scoring 12 of its 19 points close to the basket.

After intermission, Saint Augustine's held on to its advantage and owned a 54-53 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Saint Augustine's bench made the most of its minutes in the period, as non-starters totaled seven of the team's 19 third-quarter points.

Claflin then erased the Saint Augustine's lead in the game's final quarter for a 70-67 comeback victory. Saint Augustine's got a boost from its bench in the period, with non-starters scoring four of its 13 total points.

Game Notes

» The Falcons held the Panthers to only 39.1 percent shooting from the field.
» Saint Augustine's lost despite a 45-41 rebounding advantage.
» The Saint Augustine's defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Saint Augustine's cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 16 offensive boards in the game.
» Lauren Banks led the Falcons with 19 points.
» Saint Augustine's got a team-high nine rebounds from Taniyah Greene.

Up Next

The Falcons head to Shaw University on Saturday with tip off scheduled for 2:00pm.