February 17, 2007 – ATLANTA – On their special night at Forbes Arena, Morehouse seniors stepped up big, on the way to a 63-44 thrashing of the Clark Atlanta Panthers in front of a national TV audience.

Prior to the game, televised by CSTV, seniors James Beasley, Will Belton, ReShawne Bowers, Troy Brown and Jason Patterson were honored along with their parents at mid-court. During the game, the seniors – except the injured Bowers – demonstrated the prowess and talent they’ve come to be known for.

In another pre-game ceremony, Coach Arthur McAfee, the winningest coach in Morehouse basketball history was honored by former players and assistant coaches at a luncheon, to celebrate the legendary former coach and athletics director.

As though it was scripted for their benefit, the celebrated seniors got the game off to a good start for the home team. Belton hit two straight three-pointers, Jason Patterson scored two three-pointers the old fashion way, with a bucket and a foul shot, and Beasley hit a jumper, with an assist from Brown. The 14-3 early flurry got the Maroon Tigers off to a lead that they never relinquished.

The 45 points scored by three seniors were more than the entire CAU team

Leading 29-22 at halftime, the Maroon Tigers out-rebounded, out-shot and generally out-ran the Panthers from start to finish.

Recording his fourth double-double of the season, Beasley led the Maroon Tigers in points (18) and rebounds (15). But it was his six blocked shots that most delighted the partisan crowd.

Belton also put up big numbers, hitting 5-of-10 shots, including four three-pointers, to go with six rebounds, three assist and two steals.

Starting only his third game of the season, Patterson contributed 13 points, three rebounds and two steals.

Jason Reese chipped in eight points, on a series of crowd-pleasing twisting layups, to got with three assists and a steal.

Johnathan McCottrell and Pauly Nickerson led the way for the Panthers with 13 points each. Coshune Bingham led all rebounders with 18, as Clark Atlanta fell to 1-22 (1-17 SIAC).

Morehouse improved to 8-14 (8-12 SIAC). The Maroon Tigers will travel to Tuskegee on Monday, to play the Golden Tigers in another nationally televised game – this time on ESPNU. The 4 p.m. game will be taped delayed.