March 7, 2007
Albany - One of the improbable heroes in Albany State's stunning win of the SIAC basketball tournament was senior forward Jarrett Mathis.
During the Rams dreadful January where they lost six of seven games, they also lost Mathis to a broken ankle.
The senior wasn't ready to call it a career.
He worked hard and returned to limited action in the final week of the regular season.
The limited playing time continued in the conference tournament with coaches Chris Cameron and Melvin Drake using the senior in situations where they needed his experience on the floor.
The coaching move paid off.
Mathis hit a crucial three-point basket in Sunday's championship game victory over Fort Valley State.
The only shot Mathis attempted in the entire tournament.
Jarrett Mathis said "I prayed it in but I am glad that it went in. All I was thinking about was winning the game. Going out and playing my hardest."
Albany State will play regional host and top seed Montevallo Saturday at 7:00pm eastern time.
Valdosta State, seeded seventh in the south regional, faces Rollins College at 3:30pm at Montevallo.
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