Atlanta, GA- Claflin University used late game execution to pull away from Clark Atlanta 68-55, in a game that was closer than the final score indicated. The game was tied for the final time 36-36 with 16:45 left in the second half. Two free throws by
Michael Henry and a three point basket by Terrence Bowman pushed Claflin ahead by five points, 41-36, with 14:20 left. That would be a lead that Claflin would not relinquish the rest of the way. But by no mans was this an easy victory as Clark Atlanta tied the contest again at 49-49 with 5:2 left to play. But Marcus Jefferies and
David Glover along with
Alexcion Void scored inside baskets to keep Clark Atlanta at bay. With stifling defense would not allow the home team to go on any runs and out scored Clark Atlanta 17-6 in the final four minutes to win by 13 points, 68-55.
Claflin University and Clark Atlanta traded blows in the first half, with neither team going ahead by more than five points, with Clark Atlanta holding the three point halftime advantage 32-29. The see-saw battle saw four lead changes and four ties in the first 20 minutes of play. Clark Atlanta using the three point shot, even though they enjoyed a height advantage in the post. With six first half turnovers, Claflin could have been conceivably been closer at the break, while Clark Atlanta, was charged with just 4 miscues. The outside shooting was slightly in the favor of Clark Atlanta 47%- 42% in the first half. Both teams were 33% from behind the arc Clark Atlanta, 3-9, and Claflin 4-12. Clark Atlanta out rebounded Claflin 17-14.
William Mounda led all scores at the halfway mark with 9 points for Claflin. Royce Hamilton led Clark Atlanta with 8 points.
Clark Atlanta was led in scoring by Jermille Fluker with 10 points followed by Logan Shoffner with 10 points.
Terrence Bowman led all scorers with a game high 16 points for Claflin, Marcus Jefferies added 12 points, and
Mounda Williams ended the evening with 11 points.
Claflin's next opponent will be Lane College, in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, Saturday, with the women's game starting at 1:30 pm.
