FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12-7-02

Men's College Basketball: Clayton State 65, AASU 60
Women's College Basketball: AASU 72, Clayton State 53

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Clayton State hit its first six shots of the game, including five three-pointers, to build a 21-9 first-half lead and hold on for a 65-60 men's college basketball victory over host Armstrong Atlantic State, earning a Peach Belt Conference split on Saturday evening. The AASU women's team remained undefeated with a 72-53 win over previously undefeated Clayton State in the first game.

The Lakers (4-1, 2-1 PBC) built a 10-point halftime lead against the Pirates (0-4, 0-1 PBC), but AASU fought back in the second half behind junior Brian Bain, who had a game-high 19 points for the Pirates. Bain helped the Pirates cut the lead to one, 37-36, when he was fouled intentionally by Clayton's Harris Skoutaris, who was ejected on the play. Bain hit both free throws, then junior Daryl Williams converted a layup to get the Pirates to within a single point, but Clayton went on a 20-10 run to pull away. The Lakers were led by Jonathan Reed's 18 points and Jason Byrd's 16 points.

Armstrong Atlantic State's women's team continued its perfect start to 2002-03 with the 19-point victory, improving to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the conference. Junior Tishay Lewis scored a game-high 19 points and tied an AASU record with six blocked shots in the victory, while juniors Tasha Washington and Pam Mayes each added 12 points apiece for the Lady Pirates. Clayton State (5-1, 2-1 PBC) was led by PBC Player of the Week Catreia Shaw, who had 13 points and 15 rebounds in a losing cause. AASU shot 52 percent in the second half to pull away from a four-point halftime lead, 27-23, as Mayes scored all of her 12 points after intermission.

The AASU men's team is next in action on Saturday, December 14 as they travel to Presbyterian College for a 7:00 p.m. matchup with the Blue Hose.

- Pirates -