Edgerson, Petty lead Drive to 11-0

Jemal Farmer prepares to shoot a free throw against the Sauk Valley Predators Sat., Feb. 18, 2012 (Photo by Craig Fata/WJBC).

STERLING, Ill. — The Sauk Valley Predators turned out the lights for their Chicago Bulls-style pregame introductions–but the Central Illinois Drive, presented by Sonic, shot them out in a third quarter that saw the visitors turn a 2-point deficit into a 22-point lead in a span of about six minutes en route to a 112-93 win at Homer Musgrove Fieldhouse on Saturday.

Rodney Edgerson and Perry Petty led the way in the third quarter, during which the Drive outscored the Predators 35-11. Edgerson finished with 31 points, Petty with 28.

For the game, the Drive held the Predators’ league-leading scoring attack to 30 points below its average on 35 percent shooting.  The Drive shot 53% from the floor and 46 percent from 3-point range.

Jemal Farmer added 16 points, while Nathan Fuqua had 15. Matt Salley had 12 rebounds.

The Drive next play Thursday at Chicago, in the midst of four straight games on the road.

AJ Guyton, asked about what he said in the locker room at halftime, responded tongue-in-cheek, referring to his college coach.

“I channeled my inner Bobby Knight, got in a couple players’ faces. No, I just told them we weren’t competing defensively. We know we were better than that — we came out a little lethargic, so I issued a challenge,” Guyton said.

To hear the complete interview with AJ Guyton, click here:

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