Clark Atlanta Panthers newcomer Martez Jones, a transfer from Tuskegee University, shoots over a Lakers defender. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta VoiceThe top dog in the SIAC, Clark Atlanta is going to get everybody’s best shot this season. The Panthers lost a couple of key starters from last year’s team, including conference player of the year Chris Martin, twin guards Andrew and Elijah Stewart, and trusty point guard Jalen NeSmith, but a core group of key players from the tournament championship team are back. Forward Shemani Fuller and Xavier Griffith are back, as well as senior center Kharye Cayne, whose shot-blocking and rebounding were crucial during the tournament run, and junior Dez’Mond Perkins, who is taking on a bigger offensive role this season. Perkins is averaging 12 points per game through three games this season. There are several newcomers making their Panthers debuts this season, and Clark Atlanta head coach Alfred Jordan and his staff will count on each of them this season. Guards Ny’Mire Little, Dior Davis, Roderick Jones, and forward O’Zhell Jackson are Division I transfers from University of Albany, University of New Hampshire, Alcorn State University, and Middle Tennessee State, respectively. Sophomore guard Gaddis Heath III, a Westlake High School alum and Charleston Southern University transfer, scored 10 points during an early season loss to Valdosta State University last week.The defending SIAC tournament champion Clark Atlanta University Panthers are back in action this week. The Panthers hosted Clayton State University at L.E. Epps Gymnasium on Wednesday night. The visiting Lakers won the game 66-57.Panthers forward Dez’Mond Perkins (2, with ball) is a key returning player for the defending SIAC tournament champions. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice Clark Atlanta went ahead 23-12 midway through the first half following consecutive three-pointers from Davis and Little. Moments earlier a dunk by Heath III off a missed Panthers shot brought the capacity crowd to its feet. Jackson, a Bronx native, came off the bench and displayed his versatility and playmaking ability during the game as a point-forward. A three-pointer by Griffith put the Panthers ahead 29-28 at the half.   The Panthers were without Cayne, who was on the bench with a boot on his left foot. Cayne was the team’s leading shot-blocker last season and one of its top three rebounders. Perkins began the second half with a dunk and Jalen Williams followed with a deep three-pointer that put the Panthers up 34-28. A basket and free throw by Lakers sophomore guard Elijah Dates gave Clayton State its first lead of the game at the 14:19 mark. Consecutive baskets from Lakers senior guard Aaron Pitts and five consecutive missed free throws by the Panthers allowed the visitors to maintain a small lead, 43-38, with 12 minutes remaining in the game. Interior play from Martez Jones and Jackson kept the Panthers close. Jones scored on consecutive possessions in the paint to bring Clark Atlanta within three points at the eight-minute mark. The Clayton State lead grew to 12 points with just under four minutes to play after 5’9” senior guard DJ Wright connected on consecutive three-point attempts. Just like Jones, Jackson, Little, and others, Wright is a newcomer to the Lakers program and has made an immediate impact. A fast break dunk and reverse layup from Pitts all but sealed the victory for the Lakers with less than a minute to play.Clark Atlanta University men’s head basketball coach Alfred Jordan during the Panthers loss to Clayton State University on Wednesday night. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta VoiceWhat’s Next: The Panthers travel to New York City will play Holy Family University on Saturday, before traveling to Lakeland, Florida to play in a holiday tournament at Florida Southern College. The post CAU Panthers fall to visiting Clayton State Lakers 66-57 appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.