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Clayton State hosts Baseline USA in
final 2006-07 preseason exhibition game
Lakers face fierce test from team of ex-collegiate standouts
 MORROW,
Ga. --- NOVEMBER 13, 2006 --- The Clayton State Laker men’s
basketball team.jpg)
will have its final tune-up for the 2006-07 season on Tuesday as the
Lakers play host to Baseline USA at 7:30 p.m. at the Athletics and
Fitness Center.
Clayton State, ranked in the Top 15 nationally in two Division II
preseason polls, opened with an impressive 91-40 rout over the
Martinique Golden Star in its first exhibition game back on Nov. 1.
However, head coach Gordon Gibbons’ squad will face a more fierce
challenge from Baseline USA, a team composed of former collegiate
standouts that are now playing professionally in the WBA, the SEBL, the
CBA and overseas.
This will be the fifth time Clayton State has played host to Baseline
USA during the preseason, and the Lakers hold a 3-1 lead in the series.
But only once has the final score been more than 10 points. In fact, the
last time the two teams faced each other was a 101-100 thrilling victory
by Clayton State in the 2004-05 season.
“This exhibition series has been very competitive and an excellent test
for our team as we prepare for the season,” said Gibbons, who is 97-49
in his five season at the Laker helm. “When you play against
professionals, your defense will be tested.”
Tested the Lakers will indeed be. Baseline is loaded with former
collegiate standouts ranging from NCAA Division I to the NAIA levels.
The most notable players on a local level include for Georgia Tech
center Eddie Elisma, former Georgia guard Adrian Jones, former Georgia
State forward Anthony Witherspoon. Baseline also has former Virginia
Tech forward Joe Hamilton and ex-Kansas State center Travis Canby.
Clayton State is coming off an impressive showing against Martinique as
the Lakers shot 51 percent from the field. Senior forward John Beugnot
and junior guard Michael Sloan each scored 16 points for the Lakers,
while senior center Aristide Sawadogo recorded a double-double with 10
points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers open the 2006-07 regular season on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at home
against Southeastern at 3 p.m. |
