Clark Atlanta Panthers (SIAC) Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, was in action tonight playing their third exhibition game of the season against Mercer University Bears (SoCon) Southern Conference. This Panthers have played Georgia Tech and Carolina Christian College going 1-1 in their first two exhibition games. The panthers previous match up against Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta and Georgia Tech both had a combined 38 total rebounds in the game.
Tonight’s match against Mercer University, Clark Atlanta put forth the same effort rebounding the ball in tonights game as they did against Georgia Tech. Mercer Bears wanted to show Clark Atlanta Panther they could shoot the three ball going 7-30 in the game. Clark Atlanta relied more on there defensive presence on the court forcing the bears to make careless mistakes with the ball. The Panthers held the Bears scoreless over four minutes in the first half of the game, Clark Atlanta was able to hold a brief lead in the game.
The Panthers ability to score easy, and be patient moving the ball around the court set the panthers to score points off the give and go, cutting to the basket and if shots were missed the panthers were there to secure the rebound.
Things got a little chippy towards the end of first half between Salis Mason(CAU) and Jah Quinones (MU). Mercer Jah Quinones came back down the court to get the bears rolling shooting a three pointer, that the Bears turned into five unanswered points.
Jake Davis (Mercer University) shoots a three pointer to tie the game with 3:24 seconds left to go in the first half. Clark Atlanta Panthers have been strong with there defense playing a 3-2 zone. They Panthers out worked the Bears, in the first half rebounding the ball. Mercer University, went into the half with a 34-31 lead over Clark Atlanta University.
Clark Atlanta started off the second half with there press defense against Mercer University erasing the Bears three point lead and built there own three point lead behind two three pointers by Chris Martin, who scored 14 points, 1 rebound, 2 assist, and 1 steal. Jalyn McCreary Mercer University had 14 points, and 6 rebounds. Jalyn McCreary was the leading scorer for Mercer University, started off a bit slow in the game, but got things going. Every time Bears McCreary touchded the ball, the panthers sent a second defender at him forcing him to pass the to one of his teammates. Mercer was able to tie the score in the second half. Forcing Clark Atlanta Panthers defense to clamped down on Mercer University again finding ways to get easy baskets on back door cuts and three point shots.
Once Clark Atlanta built there lead in the second half, they never looked back, in the second half off second chance baskets. Mercer University couldn’t keep Clark Atlanta University from getting offensive and defensive rebounds. Clark Atlanta Panthers won the rebound matchup against Mercer University, 38 to 33. Clark Atlanta didn’t fall in love with shooting three pointers unless the shot was open for the Panthers shooter to take in the game. Clark Atlanta went 5-16 in the game while Mercer Bears went 7-30. Clark Atlanta discipline on offense and defense allowed them to secure this win tonight. lark Atlanta University plays Valdosta State on November 10th and Mercer University plays Chicago State on November 9th.