RALEIGH, N.C. – In non-conference action, Clayton State (2-2, 0-0 PBC) led Shaw (3-0, 0-0 SIAC) most of the way before succumbing to a late rally in a 77-75 defeat in an NCAA Division II men's basketball game on Monday, November 21.
 
Graduate forward Jaumonee Byrd (Douglasville, Ga.) had his best game as a Laker as he scored 20 points and ripped down 12 rebounds, seven off of the offensive glass. He was joined by junior guard Nathan Powell (Orlando, Fla.) with 19 points, six boards and five assists. Junior guard Dantez Bennamon (Goose Creek, S.C.) dished out seven assists with five points while freshman forward Ti Lewis (Oxford, Ga.) finished with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting.
 
The Lakers would jump out to an early 15-11 lead by the 13:44 mark and extend it to 29-18 behind a 14-7 stretch. It would be the Bear's turn for a run, however, as they exploded for a 10-0 burst to cut it to 29-28 with 3:40 to play in the half. Over the final three plus minutes, Clayton State would recover to snap that stretch with a 9-4 run of their own and close the frame with a 38-32 advantage.
 
That margin would expand to 48-36 just 3:17 into the second half as Powell produced seven points during that time. Shaw would bounce back to within 50-43 with 13:59 left but that rally would fall short as the Lakers answered back with 12 of the next 18 points to extend to a 62-49 margin with just over nine minutes to play.
 
With the score at 64-54 at the 5:54 mark, the Bears would make their run. Over the next 4:15 they put together an 18-9 run that cut the deficit to 73-72 with 1:39 remaining. Following a Clayton State free throw that pushed it back to a two point advantage, Shaw's DeAng Stephens-Bell knocked down a three that put them up 75-74 with 46 second left.
 
A foul on the other end would send Byrd to the line where he would split a pair of free throws to knot it at 75-75 just 15 seconds later. With one second remaining, Khaliq Williams forced a turnover and was fouled, earning a trip to the line. He would knock down both free throws to make it 77-75 and Shaw's defense would fend off a late three-point heave to come away with the improbable two-point, come-from-behind victory.
 
Williams led the way for the Bears with 16 points while Stephens-Bell had 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. Joshua Cassady added 13 points, seven boards and five blocks and David Madol had seven points and 11 rebounds. Larry Richardson added 12 points to round out the top performers.
 
The Lakers return home to take on King in non-conference action on Saturday, November 26. Game time is set for 4 p.m. at The Loch.