JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – For the first time in nearly eight years, Carson-Newman (2-1) will pay a visit to the Peach State.
The Eagles take a trip to Georgia to face Clayton State (0-5), the same team C-N faced the last time it rambled south on I-75 back in 2014.
Carson-Newman fell in that meeting 63-58 in overtime. The teams have met twice since then, with the Eagles winning in Holt Fieldhouse and Clayton prevailing in the 2018 NCAA tournament in Harrogate, Tenn.
Prior to 2014, C-N's last visit to Georgia came on New Year's Eve 2008. The Eagles lost to North Georgia in Dahlonega 104-95. The Eagles are 4-4 in the state since the turn of the century. Carson-Newman played in tournaments hosted by Armstrong Atlantic (01), Columbus State (02), and Kennesaw State (04).
Clayton State has played one of the toughest schedules in the country. The Lakers count games against nationally-ranked foes in Lincoln Memorial and Florida Southern. While the Lakers other three foes, Tusculum, Newberry and Emmanuel have all been regionally ranked in the last two years. The Lakers strength of schedule ranks 23rd nationally.
"It's really hard to wrap your mind around because you know their record is not indicator of what they are capable of," Carson-Newman head men's basketball coach Chuck Benson said. "They had some issues with injury and eligibility early and they've been getting those guys back. All of us suspect that Coach Alexander has a team that will figure it out and cause problems."
Carson-Newman is looking for a fifth-consecutive road victory. The Eagles haven't won five straight games away from Holt Fieldhouse since taking five straight decisions away from Mossy Creek in February and March of 2021 en route to a win at Curry Arena and a SAC Championship Victory at Queens.
Ren Dyer has turned in double-doubles in back-to-back games. The South Atlantic Conference's leading rebounder can become the first Eagle with three-straight double-doubles since Shaun Jones (12/31/16- 1/7/17).
Carson-Newman is the top rebounding team in the South Atlantic Conference. The Eagles' 11.3-rebound margin is also best in the SAC and ranks 23rd in the country.
"Our focus in terms of scout is our next opponent," Benson said. "But the majority of our thoughts go back to us and what we need to be doing."
The Eagles will match up with Clayton State head coach Vince Alexader for the second time. From 2007-08 to 2013-14 he guided USC Aiken to 168 wins. Alexander brought the Pacers to Mossy Creek on Nov. 29, 2014. The Eagles prevailed 87-65 after limiting the Pacers to 28.6 percent shooting. Five Eagles finished in double-figures, led by 17 from Charles Clark in what would be the second of his 103-career double-digit scoring efforts.
Clayton State center Jalen Shaw was selected by the PBC as its Men's Basketball Player of the Week. This is Shaw's second career PBC Player of the Week distinction and first this season. On Saturday, Shaw came off the bench and notched a double-double scoring 12 points and grabbing 16 boards.
"He's got BT by 50-plus pounds," Benson said. "He's got a 7-4 wingspan. We've got some big guys, and he's bigger than them. He really has come back well from an injury and says a lot about what he is. He's great in the middle, but they have multiple players who can get stuff done."
On Sunday, Shaw made his first start of the young season and posted another double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Shaw also added eight blocks and a steal. He is 10-for-12 from the field this season.
Tipoff between the Eagles and Lakers is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday. Coverage on the Eagle Sports Network starts at 1:45 with the AEC Countdown To Tipoff online at cneagles.com/live.
