Former Jacket Jed Bedford scores 36 in win over Clayton State University, March 7, 2003

CSU’s Jed Bedford (Leesburg High School, Leesburg, Florida) led the attack with 36 points, hitting 9-of-19 from the field 7-of-13 from 3-point land and 11-of-12 from the free throw line.

Clayton State falls 87-79 to Columbus State in Peach Belt Conference Tournament quarterfinals  
 

COLUMBUS, GA --- March 7, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s basketball team’s season came to an end Saturday in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament but not without a battle till the end.

 

The Lakers fell 87-79 to Peach Belt Conference champion and nationally ranked Columbus State University at the Lumpkin Center in Columbus . The loss ends the Lakers season at 17-12, while Columbus improves to 25-4 and advances to the second round of the semifinals of the tournament on Saturday to face the University of South Carolina Spartanburg .

 

“They finished the season 1-2 and 3-3 over their last six games,” said Clayton State coach Gordon Gibbons. “Tonight I thought they ( Columbus State ) just played great, we’re the best defensive team in the league percentage wise and they shot 55 percent. What can you say? We couldn’t make a big shot and couldn’t make free throws.”

Trailing 43-42 with 17:19 remaining in the game, the Cougars went on a 11-2 run over a three-minute stretch in the second half and led 54-44 on a three-pointer by Deshawn Bowman to push their lead to double digits.

 

The Lakers traded baskets with the Cougars for the next nine minutes before having one last chance in the final four minutes of the contest. Down 75-67, the Lakers had an opportunity to cut into the but missed two layups and two free throws in a two-minute stretch, thwarting a comeback attempt.

 

Columbus State won the game behind its best shooting of the season from the perimeter, hitting 55 percent (28-of-51) from the field, which included 52 percent (12-of-23) from three-point territory.

 

CSU’s Jed Bedford led the attack with 36 points, hitting 9-of-19 from the field 7-of-13 from 3-point land and 11-of-12 from the free throw line.

 

“ Bedford is something else,” said Clayton State coach Gordon Gibbons. “We’ve prepared for him three times. He is an amazing player, just when you think you have him he comes up with another big shot. Their guard play is as good as you see in D-II basketball.”

 

   

Jamal Johnson, in a return to his hometown of Columbus , GA , kept the Lakers within striking distance all night, scoring a team-high 22 points, hitting 9-of-13 from the floor to go along with seven boards.

 

“I was excited about coming home and playing in my hometown,” said Johnson. “I wanted to win this tournament. “They made shots and played defense. Jed Bedford, he didn’t miss much.”

 

CCSU’s Lamar Rodgers ( Jonesboro , GA ) chipped in a season high 16 points, including draining four three-pointers. Leon Parker ( Miami , FL ) had a career high 15 points, followed by senior Jonathan Reed ( El Reno , OK ) with 10 points.

 

Columbus State jumped out to a quick lead, 15-4, hitting their first seven shots from the floor. The Lakers, however, weathered the storm and cut the deficit to three points, 24-21, on a basket by senior Mike Phenizee ( Pittsburgh , PA ). The Lakers trailed 38-35 at halftime after two free throws by Johnson in the closing seconds of the half.

 

Clayton State controlled the boards in the game, outrebounding the Cougars 33-28 and committed only 14 turnovers compared to 15 for the Cougars. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field, hitting 28-of-64.

 

Behind Bedford ’s 36 points, Bowman finished with 18 points, followed by John Thomas with 16 points and 12 boards. 

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
www.leesburgyellowjacketsbasketball.com

  

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