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Clark Atlanta University Athletics

Roderick Jones vs SLU
65
Saint Leo SLU 4-3,1-0 Sunshine State
72
Winner Clark Atlanta Clark 3-3,0-0 SIAC
Saint Leo SLU
4-3,1-0 Sunshine State
65
Final
72
Clark Atlanta Clark
3-3,0-0 SIAC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Saint Leo SLU 33 32 65
Clark Atlanta Clark 34 38 72

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Clark Atlanta Outlasts Saint Leo in Thrilling Non-Conference Showdown

Panthers get back into the win column

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Clark Atlanta men's team leaned on a strong defensive presence to propel them to a 72-65 victory over Saint Leo in the final game of the Moc's Thanksgiving Classic at Jenkins Field House in Lakeland, Florida on Saturday evening.

The Panthers (3-3) capitalized on a dominant second half, where they outscored the Lions 38-32 to seal their third win of the season. Martez Jones was the standout player for Clark Atlanta, registering a game-high 21 points and 12 rebounds. Jones was a force in the paint, shooting 9-of-12 from the field while adding three offensive boards.

The Panthers also leaned on forward Shemani Fuller, who delivered a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, while rejecting three shots to anchor the team's defensive effort. Dez'Mond Perkins added 14 points, highlighted by a perfect 5-of-5 showing from the free-throw line, and Roderick Jones chipped in 13 points with three assists.

Clark Atlanta's defense was key in neutralizing Saint Leo's offensive firepower. The Panthers held the Lions to 36.9% shooting from the field and forced 12 turnovers. Despite Saint Leo's success from beyond the arc, where they knocked down 11 three-pointers, Clark Atlanta's interior defense limited the Lions to just 20 points in the paint.

Eric Jones led Saint Leo (4-3) with 12 points and six rebounds, while Tae Wilson added 10 points and 12 rebounds. Despite a solid effort from the Lions' bench, which contributed 21 points, they struggled to find consistent scoring against Clark Atlanta's staunch defense.

The game featured seven ties and seven lead changes, with momentum swinging both ways throughout. After a tightly contested first half that ended with Clark Atlanta holding a 34-33 lead, the Panthers opened the second half with a renewed intensity. Jones and Fuller combined for several crucial baskets, while the team's transition play added fast-break points to extend their advantage.

Clark Atlanta's dominance on the boards, with a 43-37 rebounding edge, played a crucial role in the victory. The Panthers also demonstrated poise under pressure, hitting 14-of-19 free throws and securing the win in the game's final moments.

UP NEXT
Clark Atlanta returns to action on Saturday, December 7, as they open SIAC-play against Tuskegee University. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. central time inside the Daniel "Chappie" James Center.
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