NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Clayton State 67 – Florida Southern 73
Records: Lakers (5-4, 0-0 PBC) – Mocs (5-5, 2-2 SSC)
All-Time Series: FSC leads 1-0
 
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Clayton State men's basketball team fell 73-67 at Florida Southern Wednesday night in the Lakers first game outside the Peach State. 

Florida Southern made the game's first basket and jumped out to a 21-4 lead less than halfway through the first half. The shots began to fall for Clayton State as the deficit was cut to 12 after a pair of Xavier Joyner 3-pointers, but the Mocs built a lead that was to large to overcome in the first half and led 38-26 at halftime. 

Jalen Shaw led all scorers with 22 points while going 8-of-11 from the field. He added six rebounds and three assists. 

The lead remained in double figures for most of the second half until a 5-0 run made it an eight-point ball game. FSC quickly made it a extended its lead again and was in control for the remainder of the game until a pair of Ricardo Lynch baskets cut the lead to five points with 11 seconds to play. 

The Mocs then hit 1-of-2 free throws and were able to close out the game with the win. 

Lynch added 10 points while Austin Hadden scored 11 and had five rebounds. 

Ricardo Saams Jr. had five points, nine rebounds, four assists and four blocks. 

During Wednesday's game, Florida Southern recognized Clayton State Hall of Famer Gordon Gibbons who was in attendance. Gibbons coached at Florida Southern before leading the Lakers from 2001-13. 

Up Next:
- Clayton State returns to the court on Dec. 30 with a home matchup inside the Loch. Tip is slated for 2 p.m. 


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