FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12-20-02

2002 Chatham Orthopaedics Basketball Christmas Classic
First Day Wrap-Up

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Eckerd College wrapped up the first day of action in the 2002 Chatham Orthopaedics Basketball Christmas Classic with a 67-56 men's basketball win over host Armstrong Atlantic State on Friday evening at Alumni Arena.

Eckerd College (9-1) took a nine-point lead, 30-21, into halftime and shot 54 percent from the floor in the second half to record the victory. AASU (1-6) cut the lead to within four on two occasions in the second half - the second time, 51-47, on a Scott Mattingly jumper with 6:56 remaining, but Peter Akintola converted on a three-point play on the next possession and the Pirates never got to within six the rest of the way. Eckerd placed four players in double figures, led by Marcus Bryant's 14 points and Cerwin Thompson's 13 points, while the Pirates were led by senior Dave Pisarcik's 17 points.

The Armstrong Atlantic State women's team looked impressive in picking up its fifth win of the season with a 91-55 victory over Wingate on Friday. AASU (5-1) snapped Wingate's six-game winning streak and forced 31 Bulldog turnovers on the evening. Every player who dressed for the Lady Pirates scored, led by junior Tishay Lewis' 14 points and senior Zandrique Cason's 12 points. Wingate was led by Veronica Taylor's 13 points - all of which came in the first half.

The No. 21-ranked Fort Valley State women's team began the day's action in the classic with a 63-61 come-from-behind victory over Francis Marion. Maria Willis' steal of Jennifer Howard's inbounds pass and layup snapped a 61-all tie with six seconds remaining and kept Fort Valley State (8-0) undefeated on the season. Francis Marion (5-3) led by six at halftime, 27-21, but the Wildcats went on a 13-1 run in the second half to come from behind in the victory. Willis led all scorers for FVSU with 20 points, while Sherika Tarpkins added 14 points. Francis Marion was led by Jontell Johnson's double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds.

In the first men's game, Lenoir-Rhyne opened the game on a 37-4 run and blitzed UNC Pembroke, 97-55, to improve to 5-2 on the season and keep the Braves winless at 0-7. The Bears shot a blistering 57 percent for the game and placed four players in double figures, led by Tony Connelly's 26 points and Randy Mauldin's 13 points. UNC Pembroke was led by Jesse Wilson's 16 points.

Saturday's schedule begins with Wingate taking on Francis Marion in women's action at 2:00 p.m., followed by UNC Pembroke and Eckerd's men at 4:00 p.m. Host Armstrong Atlantic State will face Fort Valley State at 6:00 p.m. in women's action, with the Pirates facing Lenoir-Rhyne at 8:00 p.m. in men's action to close out the Classic.

- Pirates -