Clayton State drops 90-56 decision in season-opening exhibition at Georgia
Newcomer Fields paces Laker men with 14 points in Clayton State’s first ever contest against Division I opponent

ATHENS, Ga. - November 2, 2007 – The Clayton State Laker men’s basketball ventured into the world of big-time college basketball on Friday with an exhibition game at NCAA Division I Georgia.

The effort was tremendous for the Lakers, but Clayton State dropped a 90-56 decision against the Bulldogs at Stegeman Coliseum. Although it was only an exhibition game, it marked the first time ever that Clayton State faced a Division I opponent in men’s basketball.

The shooting was tough throughout the game for Clayton State. The Lakers managed only 36 percent shooting from the field, including only 14 percent (2-for-14) from 3-point range and 56 percent from the free throw line.

The Lakers kept it close early, trailing 15-9 on Michael Sloan’s jump shot with 13:09 remaining. However, Georgia countered with a 10-0 run, capped by a Billy Humphrey lay-up to give the Bulldogs a 25-9 lead with 8:47 remaining.

The closest Clayton State was able to trim the lead was 12 points, 28-16 on a lay-up by Ricky Garrett with 6:45 remaining. Georgia stretched the lead to 20 pints in the first half and took a 40-24 lead at halftime.

Newcomer Bernard Fields paced Clayton State with 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting from the field, while Garrett and Brian Kelly each scored 11 points for the Lakers. Sundiata Gaines paced Georgia with 15 points, while Humphrey and Troy Brewer each scored 14 points.

Clayton State is home for its next exhibition game on Friday (Nov. 9) at 7 p.m. against Martinique.