Posted on: Tuesday, December 30, 2003

East Tenn. State, American triumph

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Jerald Fields scored 12 of his 18 points in the first half as East Tennessee State defeated Lamar, 75-62, in a consolation round game at the Rainbow Classic yesterday.

In the other consolation game, Jernavis Draughn had his first double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds as American U. defeated Bowling Green, 73-64.

Tim Smith added 16 points for East Tennessee State (8-3), Brad Nuckles added 12 off the bench and Ben Rhoda had 11. Blake Whittle led Lamar (6-5) with 13 points, while Terrell Petteway added 12.

Lamar rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit and got within three points on a jumper by Petteway with 15:24 remaining to play.

But Petteway then swung his arm and hit the back of an East Tennessee player, drawing a technical foul and his fifth personal of the game. Smith hit both free throws for East Tennessee to spark a 6-0 run that put the game away.

Andre Ingram added 19 points while Raimondas Petrauskas scored 13 as American (4-7) snapped a three-game losing streak. Ron Lewis scored 29 points for Bowling Green (3-7).