FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11-18-00

Men's Basketball: Armstrong Atlantic State 68, Claflin 48

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Armstrong Atlantic State Pirates snapped a 40-all tie in the second half with a 20-4 run and cruised to a 68-48 men's college basketball victory over Claflin in their home opener on Saturday afternoon.

The Pirates (2-2) took a seven-point lead into halftime, 34-27, against the Panthers but a layup by Claflin's James Shuler at the 12:27 mark of the second half tied the game at 40-all. That would be the only time the game would be tied, however, as consecutive baskets by junior Bart Westgeest and senior Robert Campbell, followed by a three-point basket by sophomore Brian Hobbs, sparked the second-half run that led the Pirates to victory.

Campbell, a preseason All-America candidate and the 1999 PBC Player of the Year, scored 13 points and recorded nine assists and five steals for the Pirates. Senior Greg Favors and junior David Koncul chipped in 15 points apiece as AASU improved to 7-2 in its home openers under head coach Griff Mills. Claflin (3-3) was led by Rodney McFadden's 17 points and Shelton Nash and Shuler, who each chipped in 12 points.

AASU travels to Valdosta State on Tuesday, Nov. 21, for an 8:00 p.m. matchup with the Blazers in its next outing.

- Pirates -