Monday, November 12, 2007

MACON, Ga. - Nearly four years had passed since the A-Sun's last win over a top-25 opponent before Gardner-Webb and Mercer combined to topple No. 22 Kentucky and No. 18 USC respectively in a span of four days last week. Both Gardner-Webb's Aaron Linn and Mercer's James Florence provided key baskets to help lead their teams to signature wins to open the year and share the first A-Sun Player of the Week honor.

The wins mark the first time in the 30-year history of the Atlantic Sun that its members humbled two ranked teams in a span of a week.

Linn earned Regional MVP honors as he led Gardner-Webb to a pair of wins in the Lexington Region of the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic. Playing in legendary Rupp Arena in the title bout against No. 22 Kentucky, Linn was a model of efficiency, knocking down 5-of-8 shots, grabbing eight rebounds and finishing with 15 points. His defensive effort proved to be a key to the win as he helped limit Kentucky's starting backcourt to a frigid 8-of-27 shooting night. Linn added 24 points in the Bulldogs' opening night win over Alabama A&M, including 18 points in a decisive first half for GWU. For the week, the Lenexa, Kans., native averaged 2.5 steals per game, and helped limit both teams' starting backcourts to a combined 14-of-46 from the floor (5-of-22 from three-point range). The junior majors in Sociology.

Florence poured in a team-high 30 points, helping lead the Bears to a 96-81 upset past 18th-ranked Southern Cal on Saturday. The Marietta, Ga., native knocked down 6-of-6 shots from the charity stripe, grabbed three defensive rebounds, handed out four assists and collected a game-high four steals while playing 35 minutes. The win marked Mercer’s first win versus a ranked opponent since a 75-72 victory over No. 19 Arkansas-Little Rock on Feb. 23, 1989. Mercer took the lead at the 17:13 mark of the first half on two free throws by Florence and never relinquished the advantage. Calvin Henry slammed home an alley-oop pass from Florence to open the game that set the tone. Florence's 3-pointer ignited Mercer’s second run of the opening frame as the Bears outscored USC 18-9 from the 11:45 mark to just more than five minutes remaining before the half. The sophomore majors in Business.

The Atlantic Sun Conference is a 12-member league committed to Building Winners for Life, with a focus on academic and athletic integrity and a balance between the two for the student-athlete, and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun encompasses six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun consists of some of the most dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Gardner-Webb University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.

Other Top Performers
Shuan Stegall, KSU (Sr. – F – Atlanta, Ga. – Psychology) – Put up 13 points and nine rebounds in season opener at Sun Belt Conference favorite Western Kentucky.

Lehmon Colbert, JU (So. – F – Roberta, Ga. – Undeclared) – Shot 7-of-12 from the floor on his way to 20 points in season opening win over Savannah State.

Courtney Pigram, ETSU (Jr. – G – Memphis, Tenn. – Sports Management) – Scored a team-high 30 points in 78-74 loss at Dayton.