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Clayton State basketball adds offensive firepower, signs Holmes and Williams 

Morrow, GA --- May 23, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball program has established itself as one the nation’s top defensive squads in the last two seasons under the leadership of second-year head coach Gordon Gibbons. However, the offense added some firepower to its arsenal recently with the signing of two prolific scorers. 

            Clayton State head coach Gibbons, the third winningest coach in NCAA Division II history, announced the signing of two perimeter players in 6-foot-5 guard Carlton Holmes of Charlotte, N.C. and 6-2 guard Rashad Williams of St. Petersburg, FL. 

            “Carlton and Rashad are two talented players that will add experience and depth to our backcourt,” said Gibbons, who has led the Lakers to their two highest finishes ever in the Peach Belt Conference. “I feel really good about our mix of players on the perimeter, with these two guys coming in and the two guys we’ve got coming back.” 

            Both the newcomers will battle for playing time with two senior returning starters from last year in Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) and Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA). Byrd, one of the team’s most athletic players, started 21 games last year for the Lakers, while Rodgers was the team’s second-leading scorer and top three-pointer shooter. 

            Holmes led Spartanburg Methodist College in scoring and was a first-team Carolinas Conference performer last year. His 17.2 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists established him as a Player of the Year candidate in Region 10. 

            He started all 30 games for SMC’s 17-11 squad and led the team in scoring in 22 games. Holmes was an All-Tournament selection at the Sante Fe Community College Tip-Off Tournament after scoring 46 points in two games. 

            Williams, a 2002 All-Region 17 selection and a JUCO All-American nominee, was second in Georgia Junior College scoring in 2001-02, averaging 19.4 points per game. He led Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to a 20-win season and scored 801 points in two seasons. 

            The highlight of Williams’ sophomore season came in early February as he exploded for a total of 60 points and 20 assists in back-to-back games. He scored 29 points to go along with 10 assists against Georgia Perimeter College, followed by scoring 31 points and dishing of 10 assists against Atlanta Tech.    

The addition of Holmes and Williams will help soften the loss of Clayton State’s leading scorer last year, Jamal Johnson. A Peach Belt All-Conference selection from Columbus, GA, Johnson led the team, averaging 15 points and six rebounds per game. 

The signings mark the third and fourth commitments for the men’s basketball program this spring as the Lakers have already signed two players in 7-foot-1 center Aristide Sawadogo and 5-11 point guard Darien Chavis. 

Sawadogo, from the African nation of Burkina, Faso and a national team selection in his native country, joins the Lakers as a freshman and will be an intimidating force in the middle for the squad in 2003-04. 

After playing in 25 games for the Division I Mountain West Tournament champion Colorado State University Rams, Chavis, a the lightning-quick guard, has the potential to flourish in Gibbons’ up-tempo pressing style. 

Clayton State finished last season with a 17-12 record, placing fifth in the 12-team Peach Belt Conference. The Lakers have won 36 games in the last two seasons and captured a PBC Championship.   

###CCSU###

     Colorado State transfer signs to play 
basketball at Clayton State 

Morrow, GA --- May 19, 2003 --- Sophomore point guard Darien Chavis is leaving the Mountain West Tournament champion Colorado State University Rams and is headed South, signing a letter of intent to play for the Clayton College & State University Lakers in 2003-04. 

Chavis, a 5-11 guard from Philadelphia’s Carver High School, averaged 12 minutes per game last year for Colorado State, who lost to Duke University in the first round of the Division I NCAA West Regional 67-57. 

“Darien has exceptional speed and quickness and is a perfect fit for our pressing and running style,” said Laker head coach Gordon Gibbons. “He is an excellent addition to our backcourt.” 

Second on the Rams with 32 steals and 15^th in the Mountain West Conference, Chavis is a true point guard and helped lead Colorado State to a 19-14 record last season. His top game of the year came against the Big Ten’s Purdue University, scoring 10 points and pulling five rebounds to go along with two assists and two steals in 20 minutes. 

He had 10 points against the University of Southern Illinois, a team that advanced to the Division I NCAA Tournament, hitting 3-of-3 from the field, and he scored six points and had two steals against the University of Utah, another team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament. 

Chavis played in 25 games for the Rams before an ankle injury slowed him toward the end of the season. In addition to his top games against Purdue, Southern Illinois and Utah, he had a season high five assists against the University of South Florida and a season high five steals against the University of Denver. 

As a freshman, Chavis played at Kansas City Community College, averaging 10 points and four assists per game. He is the all-time leading scorer at Philadelphia’s Carver High School and broke the school record of his older brother, Will, who was a senior starter on last year’s Texas Tech University team, coached by Bobby Knight. The younger Chavis was named to Philadelphia’s All-City team in 2000-01 and was Carver’s Most Valuable Player. 

Chavis’ arrival will help soften the loss of Clayton State senior Jonathan Reed, a 6-foot-0 guard from El Reno, OK, PA, who played in all 29 games for the Lakers last season. 

Clayton State’s second signee of the 2003 recruiting class, Chavis joins Aristide Swadogo, a 7-foot-1 center from the African nation of Burkina, Faso. Swadogo, a national team selection in his native country, joins the Lakers with the potential of rewriting both the Clayton State and Peach Belt Conference record books in blocked shots. 

The Lakers finished last season with a 17-12 record, placing fifth in the 12-team Peach Belt Conference. Clayton State has won 36 games in the last two seasons and captured a PBC Championship.             

##CCSU##

Clayton State basketball lands
7-foot-1 international center 

Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team has signed its first recruit for the 2002-03 hoops season, and he is a “big” one … both in size and in his possible impact on the Laker program. 

Aristide Swadogo, a 7-foot-1 center from the African nation of Burkina, Faso, has signed a letter of intent for the 2002-03 season. Swadogo, a national team selection in his native country, will enroll in the fall with the potential of rewriting both the Clayton State and Peach Belt Conference record books in blocked shots. 

Swadogo’s arrival will help soften the loss of Clayton State senior Mike Phenizee, a 6-foot-9 center from Pittsburgh, PA, who started 56 straight games in the middle for the Lakers the past two seasons. Swadogo will become the first player in Clayton State history to be 7-foot or taller.  

Head Clayton State coach Gordon Gibbons, the third winningest coach in Division II, learned of Swadogo through one of his former Florida Southern College players Innocent Kere, who is also originally from Africa and currently playing professional basketball in Europe. 

“Innocent convinced me to take a look at Aristide, and I’m glad we did,” said Gibbons. “He has the potential to be a force in college basketball as he continues to develop.” 

Swadogo’s junior national team finished second in the West African Games in Ghana with the big center contributing 15 points and 12 rebounds. 

Coach Gibbons plans to announce the remainder of the 2003 basketball class in June. 

Clayton State finished last season with a 17-12 record, placing fifth in the 12-team Peach Belt Conference. The Lakers have won 36 games in the last two seasons and captured a PBC Championship.      

##CCSU##

Clayton State falls 87-79 to Columbus State in Peach Belt Conference Tournament quarterfinals  
 

COLUMBUS, GA --- March 7, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team’s season came to an end Saturday in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament but not without a battle till the end.

The Lakers fell 87-79 to Peach Belt Conference champion and nationally ranked Columbus State University at the Lumpkin Center in Columbus . The loss ends the Lakers season at 17-12, while Columbus improves to 25-4 and advances to the second round of the semifinals of the tournament on Saturday to face the University of South Carolina Spartanburg .

“They finished the season 1-2 and 3-3 over their last six games,” said Clayton State coach Gordon Gibbons. “Tonight I thought they ( Columbus State ) just played great, we’re the best defensive team in the league percentage wise and they shot 55 percent. What can you say? We couldn’t make a big shot and couldn’t make free throws.”

Trailing 43-42 with 17:19 remaining in the game, the Cougars went on a 11-2 run over a three-minute stretch in the second half and led 54-44 on a three-pointer by Deshawn Bowman to push their lead to double digits.

The Lakers traded baskets with the Cougars for the next nine minutes before having one last chance in the final four minutes of the contest. Down 75-67, the Lakers had an opportunity to cut into the but missed two layups and two free throws in a two-minute stretch, thwarting a comeback attempt.

Columbus State won the game behind its best shooting of the season from the perimeter, hitting 55 percent (28-of-51) from the field, which included 52 percent (12-of-23) from three-point territory.

CSU’s Jed Bedford led the attack with 36 points, hitting 9-of-19 from the field 7-of-13 from 3-point land and 11-of-12 from the free throw line.

“ Bedford is something else,” said Clayton State coach Gordon Gibbons. “We’ve prepared for him three times. He is an amazing player, just when you think you have him he comes up with another big shot. Their guard play is as good as you see in D-II basketball.”

Jamal Johnson, in a return to his hometown of Columbus , GA , kept the Lakers within striking distance all night, scoring a team-high 22 points, hitting 9-of-13 from the floor to go along with seven boards.

“I was excited about coming home and playing in my hometown,” said Johnson. “I wanted to win this tournament. “They made shots and played defense. Jed Bedford, he didn’t miss much.”

CCSU’s Lamar Rodgers ( Jonesboro , GA ) chipped in a season high 16 points, including draining four three-pointers. Leon Parker ( Miami , FL ) had a career high 15 points, followed by senior Jonathan Reed ( El Reno , OK ) with 10 points.

Columbus State jumped out to a quick lead, 15-4, hitting their first seven shots from the floor. The Lakers, however, weathered the storm and cut the deficit to three points, 24-21, on a basket by senior Mike Phenizee ( Pittsburgh , PA ). The Lakers trailed 38-35 at halftime after two free throws by Johnson in the closing seconds of the half.

Clayton State controlled the boards in the game, outrebounding the Cougars 33-28 and committed only 14 turnovers compared to 15 for the Cougars. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field, hitting 28-of-64.

Behind Bedford ’s 36 points, Bowman finished with 18 points, followed by John Thomas with 16 points and 12 boards.

####CCSU####

COLUMBUS, GA -- Clayton College & State University scored the final nine points in overtime and Jamal Johnson finished with a game-high 24 points as the Lakers downed the University of South Carolina Aiken 79-71 in first round play of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, held at the Lumpkin Center on the campus of Columbus State University.

With the win, Clayton State--seeded #5 in the south division--improved to 17-11 on the season and will next face tournament host Columbus State University--the south division’s top seeded team--on Friday at 7 p.m. in the quarterfinal round. USC Aiken, the north’s #4 seed, concluded its season with a 5-23 overall record.

After ending regulation play tied at 65, Aiken guard Todd Burton drained a three-pointer to open the overtime and help the Pacers open a 71-68 advantage. Clayton guard Jonathan Reed then made a short jumper in the lane followed by a layup off his own steal to give the Lakers a 72-71 edge with 1:55 to play.

Down 74-71 with one minute left, the Pacers could not free Burton, who had made four triples on the game and led Aiken with 23 points. Eric Dugans missed on two three-point attempts and the Pacers were forced to foul, sending Clayton State to the foul line to close the game.

Aiken took a 34-27 lead into halftime after Burton and Minda Statkus combined for nine straight Pacer points, breaking a 21-21 deadlock with just under seven minutes to play in the first half. Aiken led by as much as 11 points at 45-34 three minutes into the second half and held a 51-41 advantage with just under 12 minutes left in regulation.

Trailing 57-49, Clayton State mounted an 11-2 scoring run capped by a Jerry Edwards fastbreak dunk off a steal to take a 60-59 edge at the 4:10 mark of the second half. The two teams then traded one point leads five times before Burton tied the game at 65 on a pair of free throws.

Johnson also grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds for Clayton State while Jason Byrd added 14 points and Lamar Rodgers scored 12.

Burton led four Pacers in double figure scoring as Statkus, Todd Williams and Bryant Latimer each finished with 10 points.

# # # 

"I thought USC Aiken came in with a good game plan. They ran some good stuff early and got it inside to Todd Williams."

"We knew our defense was going to come in and carry us though."

"The key to our offense is Jamal Johnson. We started posting instead of playing behind the defense. We went to Jamal and he responded."

"We’ve won four of our last five and finished very strong. Our team is more together now than all year long. We didn’t mesh as well as Kennesaw State or Columbus. When you win a game like this and you dig it out, it helps you not want to be behind. I think we will come out with a lot of confidence and energy."

"I had confidence in our defense. I didn’t think Aiken would pull away. I just knew we had to get stops. They play a good power game drawing fouls inside and (Lee) Burton played really well.

"Once we took the lead I knew we were going to win.

"Our team played hard. I thought we shot the ball well enough, but we didn’t rebound very well. (CC&SU) is a team that forces a lot of turnovers. We didn’t take care of the ball."

"I thought we had a chance to win and that is something that not many people gave us."

"(CC&SU) went on a little run and we didn’t shoot as well as we had. It is a game of runs and they are obviously a team with a little more confidence down the stretch."

"I thought we could win in regulation. I really did. Our team executed our game plan very well. I felt like we made them shoot like we wanted them to shoot."

"We had nothing to lose, we just couldn’t hit the shots down the stretch. They just hit more shots down the stretch and we didn’t hit any. This has been my toughest season at USC Aiken yet."

"We were confident the whole game and in the beginning we kind of set the tone. We had the lead, but then we just couldn’t hit the shots."

Clayton State pulls out 64-61 PBC road victory over FMU; to face USCA Wed. in tournament  

Game Stats
FLORENCE, SC --- March 1, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team held Peach Belt Conference foe Francis Marion scoreless for five minutes down the stretch Saturday to pull out a tight 64-61 victory at the Smith University Center on the campus of Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. 

Leading by only one-point, 59-58, with 2:03 remaining, the Lakers outscored the Patriots 5-0 over a two span to seal the victory. Junior Kevin Young (Marietta, GA) drained one free throw and senior Jamal Johnson rebounded his second free throw and stuck it back in to give the Lakers a three-point lead 61-58 with 2:00 remaining. 

After a Clayton State defensive stop, junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) also stuck back in a basket off a rebound to give the Lakers a five-point, 63-58 lead with 21 seconds remaining. FMU followed with a turnover and was forced to foul Young, who hit 1-of-2 free throws, with 12 seconds remaining to give the Lakers a 64-58 lead. FMU’s Louis McCullough drained a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded to trim the deficit to three points. 

With the win, the Lakers improve to 16-11 and 11-8 in the Peach Belt Conference, while Francis Marion drops to 13-13 in the league and 8-11. The Lakers finish the regular season in a tie for fourth place in the PBC South Division. 

Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday at 7 p.m., facing the University of South Carolina Aiken in the first round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament in Columbus, GA. 

In the first half, FMU jumped out to an early eight-point 10-2 lead on a basket by Randy Williams. The Lakers answered, however, and cut the deficit to 12-11 on a basket by Byrd with 13:41 remaining. 

Clayton State pushed its lead to as many as nine points nine minute later as junior guard Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) drilled a three-pointer, giving the Lakers a 30-21 lead with 4:22 remaining. Junior Craig Butts (Savannah, GA) led the Lakers in the first half offensive attack, scoring 10 points, hitting 5-of-shots from the field. 

Francis Marion cut the deficit 36-34 at intermission, thanks to a couple of three-pointers in the final two minutes of the half. 

For Clayton State, Johnson led the offensive attack for the seventh straight game with 16 points, followed by Byrd with 11 points and Butts with 10 points and seven rebounds. 

Jarrod Hinton led Francis Marion with 15 points, followed by Jaquan Bracey and Mike Buglione with 13 points apiece. Louis McCullough chipped in nine points, while Bracey had a team-leading nine boards. 

Clayton State shot 49 percent (26-of-53) from the floor, while the Lakers held FMU to only 37 percent (26-of-70). CCSU hit 62 percent (8-of-13) from the free throw line compared to 60 percent (3-of-5) for the Patriots. 

FMU won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Lakers 41-34 and committed only 14 turnovers compared to 16 for Clayton State.   

####CCSU####

Clayton State men cruise to 86-72 victory over Lander thanks to late 26-9 run 

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- February 26, 2003 --- Leading by only one-point, 55-54, with 11 minutes in the game, the Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team picked up the tempo and outscored Lander University 26-9 over a nine-minute stretch to cruise to a 86-72 victory Wednesday at the Athletics & Fitness Center. 

Senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA), playing in his final game in front of the home crowd, shined with 21 points and six rebounds, hitting 10-of-15 shots from the field in the “Senior Night” game. The 21 points tied a career high for Johnson and was the seventh consecutive game he’s led the club in scoring. 

With the win, the Lakers improve to 15-11 overall and 10-8 in the Peach Belt Conference, while Lander drops to 7-20 overall and 3-15 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, traveling to Francis Marion for its regular season finale at 4 p.m. The Lakers will play in the first round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament on Wednesday at Columbus State. 

In Wednesday’s game, sophomore Jerry Edwards ignited the Clayton State game-winning run at the 10:20 mark on a basket to give the Lakers a 57-54 lead. A three-point play by senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) capped the run eight minutes later, giving the Lakers an 18-point, 81-63, lead with 2:28 remaining. 

The Lakers pushed their lead to 20 points twice down the stretch, once on a basket by junior Kevin Young (Marietta, GA) and later on a basket by senior Mike Phenizee (Pittsburgh, PA). 

Lander jumped out to an early lead in the first half and led by 10 points, 23-13, on a three-pointer by Michael Kuhn with 11:02 remaining in the half. After Clayton State battled back and re-took the lead in the final minutes of the half, Ade Mason drained a three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining to give the Senators a 41-39 lead at intermission. 

The Clayton State defense held PBC leading scorer Adrian Penland to 15 points in the game as he connected on only 5-of-19 shots from the field. Lander’s Ade Mason led the offensive attack for the Senators with 20 points, hitting 7-of-11 from the field and 6-of-10 from three-point territory. 

Behind Johnson’s game-high 21 points, junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) scored 13 points to go along with six rebounds and nine assists. Junior Craig Butts (Savannah, GA) had 12 points, followed by Reed with 11 points. 

The Lakers shot a sparkling 57 percent (39-of-69) from the field, their best shooting performance from the field this season. Lander shot 44 percent (26-of-59) from the field and 48 percent (15-of-31) from three-point territory. 

Clayton State won the battle on the boards, outrebounding Lander 36-32 and committed only nine turnovers compared to 15 for the Senators. 

##CCSU## 

Lakers struggle down the stretch Sat.; fall to North Florida 65-57 

Game Stats
Jacksonville, FL --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team struggled in the closing minutes from the free throw line and the University of North Florida’s Joe Gaetano, Jr., drained a huge three-pointer to lift the Ospreys to a 65-57 victory over the Lakers Saturday at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville, FL. 

Down by two points with a minute remaining in the game, the Lakers missed 3-of-4 free throws, followed by Gaetano, drilling a three-pointer with the 35-second shot clock winding down from 30-feet out. The three-pointer gave the Ospreys a four-point lead, 61-57, with 20 seconds in the game. Clayton State missed 4-of-6 free throws in the final two minutes of the game. 

After the three-pointer, Clayton State was unable to convert on its ensuing possession and was forced foul. UNF hit 4-of-4 free throws in the final 20 seconds to seal the victory. 

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 14-11 overall and 9-8 in the Peach Belt Conference, while UNF improves to 12-13 and 9-8 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, hosting Lander University in a 7:30 p.m. game, which will be the squad’s home finale and also “Senior Night.” 

In Saturday’s game, the Lakers jumped to a quick lead and led 7-1 at the 15:33 mark on a basket by junior Craig Butts (Savannah, GA). Clayton State pushed its lead to double-digits, 30-19, with 4:17 remaining on a three-pointer by junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA). 

The second of two free throws by senior Mike Phenizee (Pittsburgh, PA) with 2:02 remaining gave the Lakers their largest lead of the game of 14 points, 34-20, only to have UNF answer, cutting the deficit to 10 points, 34-24, at intermission. 

In the second half, UNF trimmed the deficit to single digits on the opening possession of the half, but Clayton State maintained its lead by at least four points for the first five minutes. The Lakers led 44-35 on a layup by senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) only to have the Ospreys go on a 9-0 run over the next three minutes. A Gary Satterwhite free throw with 12:24 remaining tied the score at 44 apiece. 

The Lakers responded, however, and re-extended its lead to eight points, as Butts scored to give Clayton State a 52-44 lead with 9:04 remaining only to have Ospreys come back again. UNF and tied the game at 53 apiece with 4:31 remaining on a basket by Chris Ireland. 

North Florida took its first lead of the game, 58-55, with 3:14 remaining in the game on a three-pointer by Michael Drayton. A free throw by junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL), followed by a free throw by junior Kevin Young (Marietta, GA), pulled the Lakers within a point before Gaetano’s three-pointer to clinch the victory. 

For Clayton State, senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) scored a career high 21 points, hitting 8-of-11 from the field, 3-of-5 from three-point territory and 2-of-3 from the free throw line. He also added a team high nine boards. 

Behind Johnson, Rodgers chipped in 11 points, followed by Butts with 10 points. 

For North Florida, Satterwhite led the attack with 16 points, followed by Ireland with 13 points and Donny Lotz with 12 points and 12 rebounds. 

Clayton State shot 41 percent from the field, 70 percent (7-of-10) from three-point land and 57 percent (12-of-21) from the free throw line. UNF shot 45 percent (22-of-49) from the field, 32 percent (6-of-19) from three-point territory and 75 percent (15-of-20) from the free throw line. 

The Lakers committed 23 turnovers compared to only 14 for UNF but outrebounded the Ospreys 35-28. 

###CCSU###

Clayton State men down Peach Belt Conference foe USCS 66-59; to face UNF on Saturday

Game Stats
Spartanburg, SC --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team snapped a three-game slump in a big way Wednesday, downing Peach Belt Conference opponent the University of South Carolina Spartanburg for a hard fought 66-59 victory at the G.B. Hodge Center in Spartanburg, S.C. 

An offensive tip-in by sophomore Jerry Edwards (Gainesville, GA) with 52 seconds in the game gave the Lakers a five-point, 60-55, lead and proved to be the key basket in holding off the Rifles. 

Edwards skied over the USCS defense, tipping in the basket with his left hand off a driving shot by junior Kevin Young (Marietta, GA) that rolled off the front of the rim. The Lakers then proceeded to hit 6-of-8 free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal the victory. 

With the win, Clayton State improves to 14-10 overall and 9-7 in the league, while USC Spartanburg falls to 15-9 and 9-7 in the league. The Lakers will return to action on Saturday, traveling to face the University of North Florida in a 4 p.m. game. 

Clayton State led 34-25 at halftime and pushed its lead to double-digits early in the period on a free throw by senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA). He gave the Lakers a 12-point, 37-25, lead with 18:31 remaining. 

The Lakers maintained the lead by at least six points for the next 14 minutes and still led by double digits with 4:53 remaining on a basket by junior Leon Parker (Miami, FL), giving Clayton State a 58-48 lead. 

USCS answered, however, in the next three minutes of the game, going on a 7-0 run and cut the deficit to 58-55 on a basket by Dave Diebel with 1:30 remaining, setting up the Edwards’ heroic tip-in in the final seconds. 

In the first half, Clayton State sprinted out to a 15-point lead, 25-10, with 9:33 remaining on a basket by Johnson. Clayton State led by 13 points with 1:18 remaining on basket by Parker only to have USCS cut the deficit to nine points at intermission with four unanswered points. 

Johnson led the Laker attack 17 points and nine rebounds, followed by senior Mike Phenizee (Pittsburgh, PA) with 14 points and seven boards. Parker chipped in 12 points. 

For the Rifles, Kevin Harrington led the attack with 13 points and six rebounds, followed by Curtis Blair with 12 points and eight boards. 

Clayton State shot 42 percent (22-of-52) from the field, 36 percent (4-of-11) from three-point territory and 72 percent (18-of-25) from the free throw line. USCS shot 40 percent (20-of-50) from the field, 39 percent (7-of-18) from three-point land and 43 percent from the free throw line (12-of-28). 

Clayton State won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Rifles 44-31 but did commit 11 turnovers compared to only seven for USCS.  

###CCSU###

Lakers fall to West Georgia 93-77;
to face USC Spartanburg Wednesday 

Game Stats 
Carrollton, GA --- February 17, 2003 --- A 29-16 run in the first 13 minutes of the second half was the difference Monday as the State University of West Georgia downed Clayton College & State University in men’s basketball action 93-77 at the HPE Building on the campus of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA.  

Trailing the entire game, West Georgia took its first lead of the game, 54-52, with 12:30 remaining in the game as Rob Neal drained one of his four three-pointers on the evening. Neal and Bryant Redd were the catalysts of the Braves’ comeback with 14 and 16 second half points, respectively. 

Thanks to a trio of three pointers, two by junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) and one from junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL), the Lakers remained within striking for the next six minutes. A basket by West Georgia’s Michael Schoonmaker gave the Braves a seven-point lead, 67-60, only to have CCSU’s Byrd come right back with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to four points. 

After a layup by West Georgia’s Redd, a junior Kevin Young (Marietta, GA) basket cut the deficit back to four points, 69-65, with 5:57 remaining only to have the Braves outscore the Lakers 12-4 over the next four minutes to seal the victory. A Bruce Jolly layup with 1:51 remaining gave the Braves a 12-point lead, 81-79. 

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 13-10 on the season, while the Braves improve to 17-8 on the year. Clayton State will return to Peach Belt Conference on Wednesday, traveling to face the University of South Carolina Spartanburg in a 7:30 p.m. game. 

The Lakers jumped out to a fast start and led 11-3 at the 16:45 mark on a layup by senior Mike Phenizee (Pittsburgh, PA). Clayton State pushed its lead to double-digits, 25-15, at the 10:47 mark on a free throw by Phenizee and to as many as 12 points, 36-24, on a layup by Byrd with six minutes remaining in the half. 

West Georgia answered in the final two minutes of the half, however, outscoring the Lakers 6-2 to cut the deficit to six points, 44-38, at intermission. 

Senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) led the Lakers, tying a career high with 20 points, followed by Young with 13 points to go along with five assists. Byrd and Phenizee each chipped in 11. 

For West Georgia, Neal finished with a game-high 22 points, hitting 9-of-12 from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point land. Redd and Germayne Forbes each had 19 points, followed by Jay Sherrell with 12 points. 

Clayton State shot 44 percent (30-of-68) from the field, while West Georgia hit 52 percent (29-of-56). The Braves capitalized at the free throw line, hitting 26-of-31 from the line for 84 percent, while Clayton State shot only 11 free throws, hitting eight for 73 percent. 

West Georgia won the battle on the boards, outrebounding Clayton State 42-27 and committed 18 turnovers compared to 14 for the Lakers.

##CCSU##

 Lakers lose lead, game in the final minutes to Peach Belt Conference foe Armstrong State Sat. 

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team led for the first 37 minutes of its 40-minute contest Saturday against Armstrong Atlantic State University, but could not hold on in the end, falling 62-58 to the Pirates at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

The Lakers went cold on the offensive end, scoring only three points in the last six minutes of the game. Clayton State led 48-42 with 7:04 remaining only to have the Pirates outscore the Lakers 15-3 over the next six minutes. 

AASU took their first lead of the game, 52-50, on a basket by Ian Jones at the 2:45 mark. The Pirates pushed their lead to five points, 56-51, two minutes later as Daryl Williams tipped in missed shot by Brian Bain with 41 seconds remaining to seal the victory. 

With the loss, the Lakers drop to 13-9 overall and 8-7 in the Peach Belt Conference, while Armstrong State improves to 9-13 overall and 8-7 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Monday, traveling to face out-of-conference, in-state rival the State University of West Georgia. Tip-off in Carrollton is 7:30 p.m. 

In Saturday’s game, the Lakers jumped out to a quick lead, taking a 10-1 advantage on a three-pointer by junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) with 17:01 remaining in the half. The Pirates battled back, however, and cut the deficit to 27-26 late in the half on the second of two free throws by Williams with 2:56 remaining. 

Clayton State pushed its lead to five points, 31-26, at intermission thanks to a free throw by senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) with 28 seconds remaining. 

Senior Jamal Johnson led the Lakers with 17 points and nine rebounds, followed by junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) with 12 points, seven boards and three assists. Junior Craig Butts (Savannah, GA) chipped in eight points. 

For Armstrong State, Williams scored 24 points and pulled nine boards to go along with four assists and three blocks. Bain added 16 points and five rebounds, followed by Dave Pisarcik with 11 points, seven rebounds and three steals. 

In a battle of the conference’s two top-ranked defenses, each held its own as the Lakers shot only 39 percent (21-of-54) from the floor, while AASU shot 40 percent (16-of-40. Clayton State controlled the boards, outrebounding the Pirates 41-28 but did not handle the ball well or take advantage of its opportunities at the free throw line. 

The Lakers committed 19 turnovers, compared to 14 for Armstrong State and shot only 63 percent (12-of-19) from the free throw line, while the Pirates hit 81 percent (29-of-36) from the line.

###CCSU###

Clayton State falls to sharp-shooting 
GC&SU 81-67 Wed.; to host AASU Sat.

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The sharp-shooting Georgia College & State University men’s basketball fired at pinpoint shooting accuracy Wednesday, hitting 58 percent from the field and 61 percent from 3-point territory, en route to an 81-67 victory over Clayton College & State University at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA. 

The Bobcats hit 29-of-50 shots from the field in the win, including 14-of-23 shots from three-point territory. Despite the outstanding shooting by GC&SU, the Lakers had a chance late in the game but were unable to complete their comeback attempt. 

Trailing by 19 points with 10:16 remaining, the Lakers went on a 19-8 run over a seven minute stretch and cut the deficit to eight points, 69-61, on a three-point play by junior Craig Butts (Savannah, GA) with 3:47 remaining. 

            However, that was as close as the Lakers would get as GC&SU outscored the Lakers 12-7 over the last three minutes of the game. The Bobcats hit six-of-eight free throws and GC&SU’s Roosevelt Whitney drained two three-pointers in the final two minutes to seal the victory. 

            With the loss, the Lakers fall to 13-8 overall and 8-6 in the league, while Georgia College & State University improves to 12-8 overall and 9-5 in the league. The Lakers will return to action on Saturday, hosting Armstrong Atlantic State University in a 7:30 p.m. game. 

            The Lakers scored the opening basket of the game on a senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) three-pointer but trailed for the remainder of the contest. GC&SU led 38-31 at halftime.

           Johnson led a balanced attack for the Lakers with 15 points, followed by junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) with 12 points. Butts chipped in 11 points, followed by junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) and senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) each with 10 points.

             For the Bobcats, leading scorer Rodney Keener poured in 21 points, which included hitting 5-of-6 from three-point territory. Darryl Ruffus chipped in 17 points, followed by Larry Kedrick with 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.

             Opposite GC&SU’s 58 percent from the field, the Lakers shot 41 percent (24-of-59) from the floor. The Bobcats also won the battle on the boards 32-29 but did commit 15 turnovers compared to only 13 for Clayton State.

##CCSU##

Clayton State stifling defense keys second 
half run and 74-66 win over PBC 
opponent FMU Saturday

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- An 17-0 run early in the second half was the difference Saturday as the Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team cruised to a 74-66 Peach Belt Conference victory over Francis Marion University at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA. 

Clayton State’s stifling defensive pressure took its toll in the second half run as the Lakers forced several hurried shots and three turnovers in the game-winning four-minute stretch. Senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) capped the 17-0 run with a three-pointer with 13:05 remaining to give the Lakers a 57-39 lead. Reed had eight points in the run, including two three-pointers.

 The Lakers pushed their lead to as many as 22 points, 65-43, on a two-point basket by Reed with 7:48 remaining. Francis Marion made a late comeback attempt and cut the deficit eight points in the final minute but could come no closer.

 “Our defense at the start of the second half was the key,” said head coach Gordon Gibbons. “We were able to shut them down and go on a huge run. It put us by 18 points and that was the difference in the game.”

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 13-7 on the season and 8-5 in the league, while Francis Marion drops to 10-10 and 5-8 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, hosting South Division rival Georgia College & State University in a 7:30 p.m. game.

 “Tonight was the first game, with Georgia College being next, of a three-game home stand that will be critical for us to have a shot to be seeded in the (PBC) tournament,” said Gibbons.

 Clayton State led from the opening tip and pushed its lead to 12-0 in the first five minutes of the game on a basket by senior Mike Phenizee (Pittsburgh, PA). FMU answered and cut the deficit to two points, 22-20, at the 8:49 mark on the second of two free throws by Andrew Snipe.

 The Lakers pushed their lead back to seven points at the 5:45 mark on a basket by junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) before the Patriots answered and cut the deficit back to four points in the final minute on two free throws by Louis McCullough.

 “I thought we played with a lot of confidence on offense tonight, and that is a big step in us being a consistent basketball team.” said Gibbons.

 For Clayton State senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) led the attack with 20 points, hitting 8-of-13 shots from the field, including 3-of-6 from behind the three-point arc and 1-of-4 from the free throw line.

 Reed finished with 17 points, hitting 5-of-10 from the floor, 2-of-5 from three-point land and 2-of-2 from the free throw line to go along with six assists and four steals.  

Phenizee chipped 12 points and had five boards, while junior Kevin Young (Marietta, GA) had six assists and junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) had a game-high eight rebounds.

 Jaquan Bracey led the Patriots with 28 points, hitting 12-of-18 shots from the field and 4-of-8 from the free throw line to go along with six rebounds. McCullough chipped in 11 points and had seven boards.

 Clayton State shot 44 percent (26-of-59) from the field, 35 percent (7-of-20) from three-point land and 71 percent from the free throw line (15-of-21). FMU shot 41 percent (21-of-51) from the floor, 37 percent (7-of-19) from the three-point arc and 63 percent (17-of-27) from the free throw line.

 The Patriots outrebounded the Lakers 37-35 but committed 17 turnovers compared to only 11 for the Clayton State.

###CCSU###

Game Stats 
Columbus, GA--- A 39-18 run over the last 14 minutes of the game was the difference Wednesday as the Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team fell 73-62 to seventh-ranked and Peach Belt Conference rival Columbus State University at the Lumpkin Center in Columbus, GA.

 The Lakers led by 12 points, 46-34, with 14:34 remaining only to have the Cougars go on their game-winning run to secure the victory, their 19^th win in a row this season. CSU hit five three-pointers in the stretch, including four from Jed Bedford, the conference’s top scorer. 

 Clayton State cut the deficit to five points, 65-60, with 2:22 remaining on a layup by Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) only to have the Cougars go on a 5-0 run over the next minute to push its lead to 10 points, 70-60, with 54 seconds remaining to seal the victory. 

 With the loss, the Lakers fall to 12-7 on the season and 7-5 in the Peach Belt, while Columbus State improves to 20-1 on the season and 12-0 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, hosting Francis Marion University in a 4 p.m. game.

 Clayton State led 33-24 at halftime on a three-pointer Rodgers with 42 seconds remaining in the game.

 Rodgers led the team with 17 points, followed by senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) and Leon Parker (Miami, FL) with 12 points apiece. Parker had a game and career-high 13 rebounds.

 For Columbus State, Bedford and Deshawn Bowman each finished with 19 points, while John Thomas chipped in 15 points. Cedric Howell added 10 points and a team-high 11 boards.

 Clayton State shot 44 percent (25-of-57) from the field, while holding the Cougars to 39 percent (25-of-64). The Lakers won the battle on the boards, outrebounding Columbus State 38-35 but committed 20 turnovers compared to nine for Cougars.

Game Stats
Augusta, GA--- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team flexed its muscles on defense in the final seconds of Saturday’s Peach Belt Conference battle with North Division leader Augusta State University, propelling the Lakers to 61-58 victory over the Jaguars at the Christenberry Fieldhouse in Augusta, GA.

 Leading 60-58 with 37 seconds remaining in the game, the Jaguars had a chance to tie or even take the lead with a three-pointer only to have the Lakers come up with a huge defensive stand in the final seconds. ASU’s Jermale Wilkerson missed a jumper and senior Mike Phenizee grabbed the rebound with eight seconds remaining to seal the victory.

 After a Jaguar foul, Clayton State’s Jerry Edwards hit 1-of-2 free throws to give the Lakers a three-point, 61-58 lead with three seconds remaining. ASU had one last possession but was unable to get a shot off.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 12-6 overall and 7-4 in the Peach Belt, while Augusta State falls to 11-8 and 7-4 in the league. Clayton State returns to action on Wednesday, facing Columbus State University in a 7:30 p.m. game.

 Leading 31-28 at halftime, Augusta State pushed its lead to five points early in the second half. Marty Dunham gave the Jaguars a 37-32 lead with 17:26 remaining. The Lakers answered, however, and went on a 12-1 run over the seven minutes and took a six-point, 44-38, lead on a basket by junior Leon Parker (Miami, FL).

 The Lakers pushed their lead to seven points, 49-42, at the 8:39 mark on a three-point play by Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) only to have Augusta State battle back into the game. The Jaguars tied the contest at 53 apiece with 3:34 remaining on a basket by David Siebrands.

 CCSU senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) came back with seven straight points, two free throws, a three-pointer and a two-point basket, to push the Clayton State lead back to five points, 60-55, with 1:42 remaining.

 A three-point play by Ben Butler with 1:13 remaining, cut the deficit to 60-58, and a Clayton State miss with 40 seconds remaining, set up the game-winning defensive stand by the Lakers.

 For Clayton State, senior Mike Phenizee (Pittsburgh, PA) finished with 14 points, followed by Johnson with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Craig Butts (Savannah, GA) added nine points and seven rebounds. Junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) finished with six points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals.

 ASU’s Marty Dunham finished with 13 points and five boards, followed by David Siebrands with 12 points and five rebounds. Patrick Curran chipped in the 10 points, followed by Wilkerson with nine.

 Clayton State shot 42 percent from the field (24-of-57) in the win and 82 percent (9-of-11) from the free throw line in the win. ASU finished at 36 percent (20-of-55) from the field and 67 percent (14-of-21) from the free throw line. 

Game Stats 
Kennesaw, GA --- The Clayton College & State University and Kennesaw State University men’s basketball series has developed into a fierce Peach Belt Conference rival on the hardwood over the last couple of years.

 On Wednesday night, the two metro-Atlanta squads met again, and the game went down to the wire with the Owls pulling out a close one of the Lakers 73-70 at the Spec Landrum Centre in Kennesaw, GA. 

 Leading by six points, 67-61, with 34 seconds left in the game, KSU seemed to have the game in control only to have Clayton State claw back into the game in the closing seconds thanks to three-pointers by senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) and junior Kevin Young (Marietta, GA). Young’s three-pointer with 20 seconds left in the game, cut the deficit to two points 69-67.

 After two free throws by KSU’s Tommy Thompson pushed the lead back to four points with 15 seconds left, the Lakers came right back again. Fouled on a three-point attempt, Young went to the line and drained a trio of free throws to cut the deficit to one point,  71-70, with five seconds left.

 Clayton State immediately fouled and KSU’s Brandon Moore hit two free throws, setting up one final attempt for the Lakers to tie the game but a three-point attempt by Young as the buzzer sounded fell short. The Owls went 11-of-13 from the free throw line in the final two minutes and 8-of-8 in the final 30 seconds to seal the victory.

  With the loss, the Lakers drop to 11-6 on the season and 6-4 in the conference, while KSU improves to 17-4 and 9-1 in the league. Clayton State will return to PBC action on Saturday, traveling to face Augusta State University in a 7:30 p.m. game.

  With the scored tied at 29 apiece at halftime, the Lakers came out of intermission on fire and jumped out to a six-point lead in the first five minutes of the period. A layup by Reed at the 15:50 mark gave Clayton State a 37-31 lead.

 Kennesaw State answered, however, and went on an 8-2 run over the next three minutes and tied the score at 39 apiece with 12:46 remaining. The Owls pushed their lead to as many as eight points over the next eight minutes before the Lakers battled back in the closing minutes. 

For Clayton State, junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) led the scoring attack with 14 points, hitting 6-of-10 shots from the field. Reed and Young each chipped in 13 points, followed senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) with 10 points.

 KSU’s Thompson led all scorers with 22 points, followed by Terrence Hill with 16 points. Brandon Moore added 13 points, followed by Bobby Brown with 11 points.

 Clayton State shot 42 percent (25-of-60) from the floor, compared to 37 percent (18-of-49) for the Owls. KSU had a decisive advantage from the free throw line, however, hitting 31-of-40 for 78 percent, compared to Clayton State’s 16-of-23 for 70 percent.

 The Owls also won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Lakers 38-35 but did commit 19 turnovers compared to 17 for Clayton State.

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- Holding the University of North Carolina Pembroke scoreless for the first eight minutes of the second half, the Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team powered its way to a 69-47 Peach Belt Conference victory Saturday at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

 Leading 26-19 at halftime, the Lakers took control of the game in the opening minutes of the second half, going on a 19-0 run in the first eight minutes of the period. Clayton State took a 26-point lead, 45-19, on a basket by junior Leon Parker (Miami, FL) with 12:05 remaining in the game.

 The Lakers led by more than 20 points for most of the second half and pushed their lead to as many as 26 points on four different possessions.

 “Like the weather here in Georgia, we got off to an extremely cold start,” said head coach Gordon Gibbons. “We really turned up the defensive intensity in the second half and that was the key in the game. We were weren’t patient enough in the first half on the offensive end, but in the second half we executed well.”

 The Braves hung in there close in the first half, trailing by only seven points at halftime. Clayton State led by 11 points, 24-13, at the 4:22 mark of the first half on a three-pointer by senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) only to have the Braves battle back.

 UNCP outscored the Lakers 6-2 over the last four minutes of the first half and trailed by only seven points at intermission after two free throws by sophomore Matt Hubbard.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 11-5 overall and 6-3 in the Peach Belt, while UNCP falls to 0-17 and 0-9 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, traveling to face Peach Belt Conference rival Kennesaw State University in a 7:30 p.m. game. 

“This is going to be another Peach Belt Conference war,” said Gibbons. “We are both battling at the top of the PBC South Division, and we are both fierce rivals. It should be an excellent game.”

 The Lakers fell earlier this season to the Owls 74-61 in overtime in Morrow after leading by 17 points in the game. KSU, currently in second place in the PBC South Division standings, had a 15-4 overall record and 7-1 mark in league play, entering Saturday’s game at North Florida. 

 In Saturday’s game, junior Craig Butts (Savannah, GA) led the scoring attack with 13 points, followed by senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) and junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) with 10 points apiece. Byrd also led the squad with five rebounds, while junior Kevin Young recorded five assists.

 Hubbard led UNC Pembroke in the game with 18 points, followed by Anthony Crank with eight points.

 Clayton State shot 44 percent (24-of-55) from the field, while the Braves shot 40 percent (17-of-43). The Lakers won the battle on the boards, outrebounding UNCP 29-27 and forced 23 turnovers compared to committing only 11.

^{Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team dropped a “heartbreaker” Wednesday, falling 64-62 to Peach Belt Conference rival and seventh-ranked Columbus State University Wednesday at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.}

With the score tied at 62 apiece and two seconds remaining on the clock, Columbus junior John Thomas took an inbound pass from junior Deshawn Bowman and converted a layup off a screen and roll to give the Cougars the two-point win. The Lakers had four-tenths of a second remaining after the play but were unable to get a shot off as the buzzer sounded.

A three-pointer by Clayton State junior Jason Byrd with 1:35 remaining knotted the game at 62 apiece. Turnovers by each team set the stage for Columbus’ last possession with eight seconds remaining. Bowman dribbled the length of the floor and had his shot partially blocked by senior Mike Phenizee with two seconds remaining, setting up the game-winning inbounds play.

Clayton State falls to 10-5 overall and 5-3 in the Peach Belt with the loss, while Columbus State, pushed its winning streak to 15 games, improving to 16-1 overall and 8-0 in the conference. The Lakers will return to PBC action on Saturday, hosting the University of North Carolina Pembroke in a 4 p.m. game.

The game, featuring the PBC’s top offense in Columbus State and the league’s top defense in Clayton State, lived up to its billing as neither team led by more than seven points in the second half and was a battle from the opening tip.

The Lakers took their largest lead of the game of seven points, 42-35, at the 15:58 mark on a basket by junior Craig Butts. Columbus State came back, however, in the next six minutes and re-took the lead, 50-49, with 8:55 remaining on a three-pointer by Jed Bedford.

Neither team led by more than three points over the last 10 minutes of the game, which saw the lead swap hands on five different occasions. Columbus State led 31-30 at halftime.

For Clayton State, senior Jamal Johnson finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, followed by senior Jonathan Reed with 13 points.

Thomas led the Cougars with 18 points and five rebounds in the game, followed by Bowman with 14 points and 10 assists. Junior Jed Bedford, the second leading scorer in the Peach Belt, finished with 13 points, followed by senior Jon Antonelli with 10 points.

The Lakers shot 44 percent (24-of-55) from the field in the game, while CSU shot 42 percent (26-of-62). Clayton State committed 22 turnovers compared to 17 for the Cougars, but did win the battle on the boards 38-34.

^###CCSU###

Clayton State downs North Florida 73-71; to host PBC rival and 10^th ranked Columbus State on Wed.

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- Two free throws by junior Jason Byrd and a driving shot in the lane by junior Kevin Young in the final minute of play propelled the Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team to a 73-71 victory over the University of North Florida Saturday at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

 With the score tied at 68 apiece, CCSU’s Byrd (Brooksville, FL)  hit two free three throws to give the Lakers a 70-68 lead with 55 seconds remaining in the game. UNF answered seconds later, however, as Donny Lotz drained a three-pointer to give the Ospreys a  71-70 lead with 47 seconds in the game.

 Clayton State battled back seconds later thanks to the heroics of Young (Marietta, GA) as he drove the lane and connected on a short jump shot to give Clayton State a 72-71 lead with 20 seconds remaining.

 After the Laker defense came up with a stop on the other end, sophomore Jerry Edwards (Gainesville, FL) hit one free throw to give the Lakers a two-point 73-71 lead. UNF had one last chance with three seconds left but a three-pointer attempt by Josh Bowling bounced off the back rim.

 “It was a Peach Belt war,” said head coach Gordon Gibbons. “I was proud of the way our guys battled back. It was a big win after a setback last Wednesday at Georgia College. We shot the ball well and executed on offense. We got some huge stops on defense at the end of the game. It was a team win.”

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 10-4 overall and 5-2 in the Peach Belt, while North Florida drops to 5-8 and 3-4 in the league. Clayton State will return to the court on Wednesday, hosting PBC South Division rival Columbus State in a 7:30 p.m. game. The Cougars are undefeated in PBC play and are ranked 10^th in the country.

 “The Columbus game will be huge,” said Gibbons. “We are the defending Peach Belt champions, and they are entering the game with the best record in the league. They are ranked No. 1 in the region and 10^th in the country.”

 Columbus State is 15-1 overall and 7-0 in the Peach Belt and coming off a 77-61 victory over Armstrong Atlantic State University on Saturday.

 In Saturday’s game, Clayton State had a balanced attack with four players in double-digits. Senior Mike Phenizee (Pittsburgh, PA) led the attack with 12 points and six rebounds, followed by senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) with 11 points. Senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) and Young chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.

 Clayton State shot 52 percent (26-of-50) from the field, its second best shooting game from the field this season. North Florida shot 46 percent (16-of-23) from the floor, which included 44 percent (12-of-27) from three-point territory.

 The Lakers won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Ospreys 39-28 but did commit 23 turnovers compared to 17 for UNF.

 ##CCSU##

Lakers fall in final seconds in overtime to PBC South Division rival GC&SU 69-68 Wed.

Game Stats
Milledgeville, GA---The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team lost a nail-biter Wednesday, falling in the final seconds in overtime to Peach Belt Conference South Division rival Georgia College & State University at the Centennial Center in Milledgeville.

 Georgia College & State University’s Johnnie Stafford hit a driving shot in the lane with 13.4 seconds remaining to give the Bobcats a 69-68 lead and the game-winning basket. Clayton State had one final shot but was unable to get clean shot as junior Lamar Rodgers’ had his shot partially deflected as the buzzer sounded.

 Clayton State took the lead with less than 20 seconds and was in position to pull off the PBC road win as Jason Byrd hit one of two free throws to give the Lakers a one-point, 68-67, lead only to have Stafford answer on the ensuing possession.

 With the loss, the Lakers drop to 9-4 overall and 4-2 in the Peach Belt, while GC&SU improves to 7-5 overall and 4-2 in the league. Clayton State will return to the court on Saturday, hosting PBC foe North Florida in a 4 p.m. contest.

 In the second half, the lead swapped hands several times with neither leading by more than four points. The Bobcats took a three-point, 62-59, lead with 1:21 left on a three-pointer by Stafford only to have Lakers answer on the next possession.

 Clayton State senior Jamal Johnson drilled a three-pointer with 1:11 remaining to send the game into overtime at 62 apiece.

 The Lakers led 33-29 at halftime and much of the first half. Clayton State took its largest lead and the biggest one of the game with 6:42 remaining in the period on a layup by senior Jonathan Reed, giving the squad a six-point, 21-15 lead.

 For Clayton State, senior Mike Phenizee finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, followed by Reed with 13 points. Johnson added 12 points, followed by Byrd with 10 points.

 Daryl Ruffus led GC&SU with 19 points and seven boards, followed by Roosevelt Whitney with 16 points and nine rebounds. Stafford chipped in 11 points and had six assists. 

Clayton State shot 39 percent (26-of-67) from the floor in the game and only 33 percent (4-of-12) from three-point territory. GC&SU shot 46 percent (22-of-54) from the field and 39 percent (5-of-13) from three-point land.

 The Lakers won the battle on the boards 43-34 and forced 17 Bobcat turnovers compared to committing only 14.

Second half run by Clayton State fuels 68-57 victory over USCS Mon.; Lakers to face GC&SU on Wed.  

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- Trailing 37-26 at halftime, the Clayton College & State University men’s basketball exploded in the second half, en route to a 68-57 victory Monday over the University of South Carolina Spartanburg in Peach Belt Conference action at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

 Clayton State went on a 19-6 run in the first nine minutes of the second half and took a 45-43 lead at the 11:01 mark on a basket by senior Jonathan Reed. From that point on, the Lakers never looked back, leading the remainder of the game.

 USCS cut the deficit to five points, 62-57, at the 2:42 mark on a basket by junior Kevin Harrington, however, Clayton State immediately answered with a basket by junior Jason Byrd to push its lead back to seven points. The Lakers took their largest lead of 10 points, 67-57, in the final seconds on two free throws by senior Jamal Johnson.

 With the win, Clayton State improves to 9-3 overall and 4-1 in the Peach Belt Conference, while USCS drops to 7-5 overall and 1-3 in the league. The Lakers will return to action on Wednesday, traveling to face Georgia College & State University in a 7:30 p.m. game.

 For Clayton State, senior Mike Phenizee led the attack with 19 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Johnson finished with 13 points and six rebounds, followed by juniors Kevin Young and Lamar Rodgers each chipping in 10 points.

Harrington led USCS with 17 points and five rebounds, followed by senior Brian Sanders with 11 points. Junior Petros Tsampas had nine points.

 The Lakers shot just 34 percent (22-of-65) from the field but held the Rifles to only 31 percent (16-of-52). Clayton State forced 20 USCS turnovers, while committing only 11. The Lakers also won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Rifles 48-43.

Clayton State men pound USCA 82-67; 
to host USC Spartanburg on Monday    

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team posted its third Peach Belt Conference win of the season Saturday, pounding the University of South Carolina Aiken 82-67 at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

 Leading 49-37 with 13:25 remaining, the Lakers went on a 25-14 lead over the next nine minutes and took a 25-point lead, 76-51, on a free throw by Craig Butts with 4:14 remaining. Clayton State held at least a 20-point lead over the last four minutes until the Pacers had a couple of unanswered baskets to cut the deficit to 19 in the finals seconds.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 8-3 overall and 3-1 in the conference, while USCA drops to 2-10 on the year and 1-3 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Monday, hosting Peach Belt Conference opponent USC Spartanburg in a 7:30 p.m. game.

 The Pacers jumped to an early lead in the contest and led much of the first half. Jamal Johnson gave the Lakers a 25-24 lead on the second of two free throws with 3:21 remaining in the half. The Lakers extended their lead to nine points in the next three minutes. Lamar Rodgers gave the team a 39-27 lead with two seconds remaining in the half on two free throws.

 Johnson led Clayton State with 19 points and eight rebounds, followed by Butts with 13 points and five boards. Leon Parker had 12 points and five steals, followed by Lamar Rodgers with 11 points and five steals.

 Lee Burton led USCA with 20 points, followed by Bryant Latimer with 15 points. Eric Dugans chipped in 12 points.

###CCSU###

Clayton State falls 60-55 to Rollins in finals
in Winter Park Tangerine Tournament

 Game Stats
Winter Park, FL---January 4, 2003--- The Clayton College & State University men's basketball team dropped its third game of the season Saturday, falling 60-55 to Rollins College in the finals of Winter Parker Tangerine Tournament in Winter Park, FL.

Leading 34-29 at halftime, the Lakers shot only 31 percent (8-of-26) from the field in the second half in the loss. Rollins never led by more than five points in the stanza.

The Lakers took their last lead of the game, 49-47, with 5:34 remaining on a basket by senior Mike Phenizee (Pittsburgh, PA). Clayton State scored only six points in the final five minutes in the five-point loss.

The loss drops Clayton State to 7-3 on the season, while Rollins improves to 9-3 on the year. The Lakers will return to the court on Saturday, January 11^th, hosting the University of South Carolina Aiken. Clayton State will enter the Peach Belt Conference game with a 2-1 record in the league.

            For the Lakers junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL), Phenizee and junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) all finished the game with 12 points. Byrd added a game-high nine rebounds, followed by Phenizee with seven. Both Rodgers and Byrd were named to the Tangerine All-Tournament Team.

            Tournament Most Valuable Player Matt Williams led Rollins with 17 points, followed by Donald Banks with 12 points and Placide Muhizi with 11 points.

            Both teams finished the game shooting 41 percent from the field. The Lakers committed 18 turnovers compared to only 11 for Rollins, while CCSU outrebounded the Rollins 41-31.

###CCSU###

Clayton State cruises to 87-47 first round win in Winter Park Tangerine Tournament; advances to finals Sat.

Game Stats
Winter Park, FL---January 3, 2003--- It had been over two years since Clayton College & State University head coach Gordon Gibbons had paced the sidelines of the Alfond Sports Centers at Rollins College, but on Friday, Gibbons returned and just like old times, came away with a victory.

The Gibbons-led Clayton State men's basketball team opened the new year with a bang, blasting Alderson-Broaddus 87-47 in the first round of the Winter Park Rotary Club Tangerine Tournament in Winter Park, FL.

Gibbons, the third winningest coach in Division II, returned to Sports Center at Rollins after coaching for 10 seasons at Florida Southern College in Tampa, FL. Rollins and Florida Southern both compete in the Sunshine State Conference.

In Friday's game, the Lakers jumped out to an early double-digit lead and never looked back, leading the entire contest. Clayton State took its largest lead of the first half, 41-13, at the 1:15 mark with a layup by sophomore Jerry Edwards (Gainesville, GA).

"Alderson-Broaddus was an NCAA Tournament team last year and was a talented, experienced team," said Gibbons. "I am happy with the way we came out and played with a lot of intensity from the opening tip. Our pressure definitely affected them and was a key in us building a big first half lead. Our depth allowed us maintain the lead in the second half."

Clayton State held the Rattlers to only 13 points in the first half and 20 percent (5-of-25) shooting from the field.

With the win, the Lakers advance to the finals of the Tangerine Tournament on Saturday at 8 p.m. against the winner of Mount Olive and host Rollins College in the semifinal game on Friday.

"Saturday's game will be another challenge, whether we play Mount Olive or Rollins," said Gibbons. "Both teams entered the tournament with impressive records and talented teams."

En route to its 40-point win, the Lakers shot a sizzling 56 percent (34-of-61) from the field, while holding the Rattlers to 36 percent (18-of-50) from the field. Clayton State outrebounded Alderson-Broaddus 45-19 and forced 16 turnovers.

The Lakers led by over 20 points for the entire second half and pushed its lead to a game-high 42 points, 87-45, on a three-point basket by junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA).

Senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) led the Lakers with a game-high 17 points and a game-high eight boards. Johnson hit 7-of-10 from the field, 1-of-3 from three-point land and 2-of-2 from the line.

Junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) finished with 12 points to go along with four rebounds, followed by junior Kevin Young (Marietta, GA) with nine points and seven assists. All 12 of the Clayton State's players saw action in the game and scored.

Mike Tucker led Alderson-Broaddus with 15 points.

###CCSU###

Clayton State falls to Mobile 73-70 in
Clayton State Holiday Classic

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team dropped its second game of the season Saturday, falling to the University of Mobile 73-70 in the Clayton State Holiday Classic at the Athletics & Fitness Center.

 Trailing most the second half, the Laker made a late comeback and had a chance to tie the game and send it into overtime, but a senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) three-point attempt rolled off the back of the rim at the buzzer. 

Clayton State trailed by 16 points, 66-52 with 4:38 remaining before storming back in the final minutes. Junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) fueled an 18-5 run to close the game for the Lakers as he drained a trio of three-pointers to go along with two free throws.

 Junior Kevin Young (Marietta, GA) completed a three-point play at the foul line with 10 seconds left to cut the lead to three points, 73-70, but that was as close as the Lakers would come. Mobile missed two free throws in the final seconds, setting up Reed’s final shot.

The Rams led 38-33 at halftime before pushing its lead to double-digits midway through the second half.

 With the loss, Clayton State falls to 6-2 on the season, while Mobile improves to 11-4. The Lakers will return to action on Friday and Saturday, traveling to play in the Winter Park Tangerine Tournament hosted by Rollins College in Florida. The Lakers will face Alderson-Broaddus in the first round game on Friday.

 In Sunday’s game, the Lakers shot only 31 percent from the floor, hitting 19-of-61 shots, while Mobile hit 44 percent, 20-of-46, from the floor. The Rams outrebounded Lakers 44-32 but did commit 23 turnovers compared to only 15 for Clayton State.

 Rodgers led Clayton State with 15 points, followed by senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) with 12 points. Junior Jason Byrd (Brooksville, FL) finished with 11 points, followed by Young with 10 points.

  Larry Burgess led Mobile with 24 points, followed by Gimel Lewis and Seluynn Palmer with 13 points apiece.

  ###CCSU###

West Georgia defeats Albany State 69-55 in Clayton State Holiday Classic

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- The State University of West Georgia men’s basketball team  defeated Albany State 69-55 in second round play of the Clayton State Holiday Classic Sunday evening at Athletics & Fitness Center on the campus of Clayton State.

 This game was evenly played throughout the first half and midway thru the second as neither team held a double-digit advantage. West Georgia (7-4) was able to maintain the lead during the majority of the game and took a 25-20 lead at the half.

 The Golden Rams battled back during the first twelve minutes of the second half as they were able to cut the Braves lead to two on several occasions.   The closest Albany State (1-10) would get was 49-47 with 8:08 left in regulation.

 During the last eight minutes of play West Georgia took over as they went on a 20-8 run to close out the game and secure the win.

 The Brave attack was lead by the trio of senior Bryant Redd (Eden, NC) with a game-high 20 points, junior Germayne Forbes (London, England) with 15 points, and junior Jay Sherrell (Spanaway, WA) who scored 11 points.  Junior Jonathan James (Sacramento, CA) controlled the glass totaling a game-high 12 rebounds. 

 Junior Flem Tucker (Louisville, GA) led the Rams with 19 points, followed by  senior John Davis (Albany, GA) with 16  points for the Golden Rams.

 The win improves West Georgia to 7-4 on the season while the loss sends Albany State to 1-10 on the year.

  ###CCSU###

Laker men down Albany State 76-62
in Clayton State Holiday Classic Saturday

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team outscored Albany State 53-38 in the second half, enroute to a 76-62 victory over the Rams in the Clayton State Holiday Classic Saturday at the Athletics & Fitness Center.

Trailing 24-23 at halftime, Clayton State went on a 12-5 run to open the second half and took an eight-point lead, 37-29, with 16:13 remaining in the game on a steal and dunk by senior Mike Phenizee (Pittsburgh, PA). Clayton State led the remainder of the contest and pushed its lead to double-digits on several occassions.

The Lakers took their largest lead of the game with 10:38 remaining as senior Jonathan Reed (El Reno, OK) drilled a three-pointer to give Clayton State a 46-35 lead. Clayton State outscored the Rams 12-5 in the final two minutes to seal the victory.

With the win, the Lakers improve to 6-1 on the season and will host the University of Mobile (10-4) on Sunday in an 8 p.m. game. Mobile fell to the State University of West Georgia 77-66 in the first round of the Holiday Classic on Saturday.

For Clayton State, senior Jamal Johnson (Columbus, GA) led the attack with 15 points and seven rebounds, followed by junior Lamar Rodgers (Jonesboro, GA) with 12 points. Reed finished with 11 points, while Phenizee chipped in nine points and had a team-high eight boards.

Albany State’s Flem Tucker (Louisville, GA) led all scorers with 26 points.

The victory over Albany State was Clayton State’s second this season over the Rams as the Lakers defeated ASU 72-67 in overtime in the season opener.

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The State University of West Georgia men’s basketball team defeated the University of Mobile 77-66 in the opening game of the Clayton State Holiday Classic Saturday at Athletics & Fitness Center on the campus of Clayton State.

This game was a battle of halves. The first half was won by Mobile as it took a 42-40 lead into the locker room at halftime after being up 30-16 with 6:49 left in the half.

The Braves went on a 22-10 run over the last seven minutes of the first half shooting 55 percent from the field as they cut the halftime deficit to points 40-38 at intermission. West Georgia continued to have success as it opened the second half with a 12-4 run in the first six minutes and took control of the second half.

The Rams mounted one more run as they came within one point of the lead at 56-57 with 9:15 remaining in regulation, but the Braves came back as they outscored the Rams by 10 points to take a 77-66 victory.

Junior Germayne Forbes led West Georgia (London, England) with a game-high 25 points. Junior Jonathan James (Sacramento, CA) scored 18 points, while pulling down 11 boards.

Sophomore Gabriel Feagin (Birmingham, AL) paced the Mobile attack as he tallied 20 points as Mobile had four players in double figures on the night. Sophomore Gimel Lewis (Trinidad, West Indies) registered 13 rebounds for the Rams.

West Georgia improves to 6-4 on the year and will face Albany State at 6 p.m. Sunday. The University of Mobile drops to 10-4 on the season and will face Clayton State at 8 p.m. Sunday. Both games will take place at the Athletics & Fitness Center on the campus of Clayton College & State University.

Game Stats 
MORROW, GA --- It has been more than five years since the Clayton College & State University men’s basketball program has defeated West Georgia, but the Lakers broke that streak in a big way Monday, as it pounded the State U