Second-half onslaught propels Clayton State to 103-58 rout over Carver
Sloan, Boyd each score 20-points as fourth-ranked Lakers improve to 6-0 overall

MORROW, Ga. --- DECEMBER 8, 2006 --- Coming off the heart-pounding, emotional overtime victory over West Georgia on Wednesday, a letdown could have been in works for the Clayton State Laker men’s basketball team on Friday against visiting Carver.

The Lakers avoided any major letdowns, but it took them a while to get on track against the scrappy Cougars. Eventually, however, Clayton State’s size, athleticism and tenacity took over in the second half as the Lakers rolled to a 103-58 rout at the Athletics and Fitness Center. The victory improved fourth-ranked Clayton State to 6-0 overall.

It was the most points in game for Clayton State since scoring 109 last season against Bluefield. The 45-point victory was the largest margin of victory for the Lakers since a 56-point rout at Tuskegee in last year’s season opener.

“We got to play everyone a lot of minutes and gain some confidence in some players that haven’t seen much time prior to tonight,” said Clayton State head coach Gordon Gibbons. “A game like this is good for that. Plus, we were able to work on a lot different things with different people.

Clayton State never found its offensive rhythm in the first half, shooting only 37 percent from the field and allowing Carver to stay within striking distance. In the second half, however, the Lakers left nothing to chance as they totally dominated their out-manned opponent.

The Lakers used their swarming full-court pressure defense to force 18 Carver turnovers in the second half, while limiting the Cougars to only 26 percent (9-for-35) shooting from the field. For the game, Clayton State limited Carver to only 32 percent shooting from the field, including only 18 percent from 3-point range. On the glass, the Lakers dominated, out-rebounding Carver 59-41.

In addition, Clayton State recorded 26 steals, tying the school single-game record for steals.

“Our effort was real good in the first half, but we were just not finishing well and shooting from the perimeter,” Gibbons said. “We did better in the second half in terms of executing our zone offense and pressuring the ball defensively.”

Individually, junior guard Michael Sloan and junior center Jerome Boyd came up big for Clayton State. Sloan scored 20 points on six 3-point baskets, tying the single-game school record for 3-point baskets, while Boyd recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Lakers also had 18 points from John Beugnot and 11 points by Trey Goss off the bench.

In addition, Brian Kelly paced Clayton State on the boards with 13 rebounds, while Aristide Sawadogo grabbed 10 rebounds. Luis Rodriguez dished our eight assists for the Lakers.

For Carver (4-11), Fred Fields scored 16 points and Jeremy Russell scored 13 points.

Clayton State is off next week for final exams. The Lakers return to action on Dec. 16 in a re-match at West Georgia at 7:30 p.m.