Skid ends! Second-ranked Lakers finally win at
West Georgia 62-54
Kelley scores 14 points as Clayton State picks up first ever victory in Carrollton

CARROLLTON, Ga. --- DECEMBER 16, 2006 --- The Clayton State Laker men’s basketball team put its No. 2 ranking in the nation on the line on Saturday against a familiar foe – the Wolves of West Georgia.

However, after having to scrape out a one-point victory in overtime against its in-state rival two weeks ago, the Lakers stayed in control this time with a 62-54 victory over West Georgia at the HPE Building. The victory improves Clayton State to 7-0 overall, tying the school record for consecutive victories to start the season.

In addition, it also marked the first victory at West Georgia in 13 attempts for the Lakers.

“Well we couldn’t win in the old version of the building, so now that it’s renovated, maybe the curse is over,” said Clayton State head coach Gordon Gibbons, who garnered his 350^th Division II coaching victory in the process. “I think sweeping West Georgia; especially winning at their place, plus our other road victories makes a statement for us.

“But, there is still plenty of basketball left to be played.”

The Lakers were lucky to have a 27-24 lead at halftime. Clayton State shot 50 percent from the field, but committed 15 turnovers in the process. However, in the second half, the Lakers took better care of the ball and that resulted in only four turnovers.

Clayton State broke open the close contest with a 13-3 run to start the second half. Brandon Kelley converted a 3-point play to give the Lakers a 3-point lead, and then six straight points from Rod Venner off the bench gave Clayton State a 40-27 lead with 13:42 remaining.

West Georgia cut the deficit to nine points on three occasions before Clayton State took control. John Beugnot’s lay-up at the 6:12 mark made the Laker lead 54-39, and then Kelley’s 3-point play increased the Clayton State lead to 57-41 with 5:34 remaining. A free throw by Kelley with 2:55 remaining gave the Lakers their largest lead of the game, 62-43.

The Wolves finished the game with an 11-0 run in the final 2:40 to make the score respectable.

“Our defense shut them down – that was the difference,” Gibbons said. “And we did a much better job offensively in the second half, especially when it came to taking care of the basketball.”

Kelley paced Clayton State with 14 points, while center Aristide Sawadogo scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Venner added eight points and Beugnot grabbed nine rebounds. Clayton State controlled the glass throughout the game, out-rebounding West Georgia 40-24 with 17 offensive rebounds.

For West Georgia (5-6), Terrence Hundley scored 11 points, while Jonathan Smith and Paul Harper each scored 10 points.

Clayton State plays its final game before the holiday break on Tuesday, hosting Lee at 7:30 p.m. at the Athletics and Fitness Center.