Written by Thomas Scott
November 10, 2017
Expectations for Clark Atlanta’s men’s basketball team are high entering into the 2017-2018 season. The Panthers caught fire last season under under 1st year coach, Darrell Walker. Walker, a former NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, led the Panthers a SIAC championship.
This year, the Panther began their season in the South Region Crossover against Rollins College. The Rollins College Tars were ranked #13 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division II Preseason Poll.
Rollins College stormed out to a big lead early. The Tars outscored Clark Atlanta 64 to 47 in the first half.
In the second half, Clark Atlanta looked like an entirely different team. The Panthers caught fire, hitting 11-19 three pointers.
Jamal Pollydore played an extremely efficient game scoring 28 points off 10-16 shooting (8-13 from three). Preseason All-SIAC guard, Anthony Williams scored 17 of his 24 points in the second half. Williams hit 5 three pointers in the second half alone.
A late foul by Clark Atlanta gave Rollins College the chance to tie the game at 104 with under one minute left. The Tars leading scorer, Eric Castaneda, couldn’t capitalize and missed one of his two free throws. Clark Atlanta secured the rebound, and AJ Williams calmly knocked down a pair of free throw to give the Panthers a 106-103 win.
Clark Atlanta will face Florida Tech tomorrow at noon. Florida Tech was defeated by SIAC rival, Morehouse College 87 to 82 earlier today.