November 24, 2006 – COLUMBUS, GA – Morehouse dropped its season-opener to the Georgia College & State University Bobcats, 80-76, in the first game of the All-Georgia Shootout Thanksgiving Tournament

The Maroon Tigers came out flat and fell to a 14-point deficit midway through the first half, but fought back to trail by only three at the break to the Peach Belt opponent.

In the second half, the Maroon Tigers kept it close, but failed to overcome the Bobcats who entered the tournament at 3-0. The Maroon Tigers had a better shooting percentage than the Bobcats -- 51.6 percent compared to 46.8 percent -- but the Bobcats hit 8-of-30 three-pointers, compared to 3-of-12 from beyond the arc for the Maroon and White.

Morehouse played without starting forward Jason Patterson, a key scorer and rebounder and last season’s team captain. Patterson suffered a facial fracture in an exhibition game against Georgia Tech and is listed as day-to-day.

Forward Edward Pollard came off the bench to score a game-high 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting, with two three-pointers. He also pulled down three rebounds in only 18 minutes of play.

Center James Beasley led the Maroon Tigers in rebounds with seven. The only other Maroon Tiger in double figures, Beasley scored 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting.

Necomer Jason Reese had a solid game in his first official action in a Morehouse uniform, scoring eight points and pulling down four rebounds in 22 minutes of play. The junior college transfer from Greenville, GA, dished out a team-high five assists.

Also playing in his first game as a Maroon Tiger, Marlon Ferguson had an all-around standout debut. The junior from Pompano Beach, FL led all players with four blocked shots, and chipped in nine points, six rebounds, two steals and two assists.

Aaron Clark led the Bobcats with 21 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Three other Bobcats scored in double figures.