Eagles face Lenoir-Rhyne for Conference Lead
Jeremy Yoder
Issue date: 1/25/08 Section: Sports
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Although Carson-Newman lost, the victory was contested because the game officials credited Wingate with a two-point basket that never entered the basket. The South Atlantic Officials have disciplined the game officials from the Wingate game, but, in a statement releaed by the conference, under NCAA rules, the rules committee does not recognize or allow protests and the score will stand.
In a statement issued after the ruling, Head Coach Dale Clayton expressed his disappointment. " Disciplining the actions of the officials involved in our game (with Wingate) does not address the heart of the matter. I'm very disappointed (South Atlantic Conference) Commissioner Doug Echols has chosen to disregard the real issues in this situation, the student-athletes involved and integrity of the game.," said Clayton.
Coach Dale Clayton was impressed with the way his team handle themselves against a tough Wingate team. "The Wingate game was a good test for us because they were ranked in the preseason polls at number five and have two Preseason All-Americans. It was a good test in that we battled back from an early 14-0 deficit and took the lead until the end." The Men's team plans on bringing the same winning mentality to the hard wood against the LR Bears
Despite the technicality from the Wingate game, the Men's team was ready for their next opponent, when they took on in-state and conference rival Tusculum. After a slow start in the game for Carson-Newman, the men bounced back from an 11 point hole. After falling behind in two games to tough opponents and getting back into the game, Coach Clayton feels that the team's chemistry is a key contributor to getting back into games. "The chemistry among our players is good because they can depend on one another and feed off of one another's energy and that will make us a successful team."
The Eagles are in second place in the Conference and are looking forward to Saturday's "showdown" with first place Lenoir-Rhyne College. Coach Clayton plans on trying to keep LR off balance by applying pressure on both ends of the court, while also being patient and not trying to rush into situations. The Eagles will finish up the first half of conference play with Catawba at home and begin the second half with a better understanding of what teams are capable of. "After the Catawba game we will have a better understanding of what we are up against" stated Clayton, "We have the depth and ability to finish among the top two or three teams in the league, but we still take games one at a time and focus on who in front of us for the time being."
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