BALTIMORE, MD  — February 24, 2026 — The 2026 CIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament opened with a dramatic early-morning matchup, as Claflin (16–8, 12–5 CIAA) overcame a slow start to defeat Lincoln (PA)  (2–25, 0–17 CIAA) 53–50 at CFG Bank Arena. Behind a dominant second half and a standout performance from Food Lion Player of the Game Ashari Lewis, the Lady Panthers advanced to the next round while the Lady Lions closed their season with a spirited effort.

Lincoln (PA) dictated the pace early, capitalizing on Claflin’s cold shooting stretch to build an 11–5 first-quarter lead. The Lions forced multiple turnovers and controlled the boards behind Kaziah Akinniyi and Hunter Conway. Lincoln extended its advantage to 27–13 at halftime, led by Alaila Walker, who poured in nine early points on her way to a team-high 16.

Claflin completely flipped the momentum in the third quarter.

The Lady Panthers erupted for 20 points in the frame—more than they scored in the entire first half—sparked by the relentless play of Ashari Lewis, who finished with a game-high 23 points, 7 rebounds, and multiple key defensive plays. Lewis pushed the tempo, attacked downhill in transition, and supplied the energy Claflin desperately needed. Her effort swung the game’s intensity and ignited the Panthers’ comeback.

With the deficit erased entering the fourth, Claflin guards Makailah Davis and Mia Lewis delivered key baskets in traffic, while the Panthers’ defense forced difficult shots and turnovers from Lincoln’s backcourt. Still, the Lions remained within striking distance behind Serenity Burgess (12 points) and the interior presence of Akinniyi, who added 10 points and 9 rebounds and later hit a dramatic deep three with two seconds remaining to cut the margin to two.

After the clutch Lincoln basket, Claflin needed one more defensive stand. The Lions fouled immediately, sending Lewis—who had carried the Panthers all morning—to the line. She knocked down one free throw, extending the lead to 53–50, and Lincoln’s final desperation attempt fell short.

Claflin’s second-half surge was powered by efficiency inside the paint, where they scored 34 points, and by defensive resilience, holding Lincoln to just 3-of-14 shooting in the final quarter.

With the win, Claflin advances to face #2 Northern Division seed, Virginia State, in the next round of the CIAA Tournament. Tip-off is set for Thursday, February 26 at 12:00 PM.

For schedules, results, and complete tournament coverage, visit ciaatournament.org. Watch all early-round action on ESPN+. The championship games on Saturday will be shown on ESPNU.