ANDERSON, S.C. – The Clayton State University men's basketball team opened its 2023-24 season on Saturday evening at the Southeast Regional Challenge hosted by Anderson University. The Lakers played Emmanuel University and pulled off a 74-59 win.
The Lakers saw early offensive production from
Tyler Shirley,
Mohamad Diallo, and
Travis Harper II early in the first half. The Lakers led 7-4. Harper II knocked down a three and Shirley slammed a dunk home. After the Lions took a 10-9 lead, a
Wes Williams three sparked a 12-2 run and the Lakers took a 21-12 lead. In addition to Williams' three-ball,
Jamall Clyce and Shirley slammed the ball through the nylon with dunks. The Lions would get within five in a pair of occasions but the Lakers had an answer.
Kennedy Brown,
Keandre Bowles, and Williams all scored points down the stretch as the Lakers took a 36-27 lead going into the half.
Halftime: Clayton State 36, Emmanuel 27
Shirley and Harper II started the second half with a pair of three-pointers as the Lakers took their first double-digit lead at 45-31. At 45-35,
TJ Stargell's layup sparked a 10-0 run and made the score, 55-35. On the run, Williams converted an old-fashioned three-point play. Throughout the second half, the Lakers continued to be dominant as
Elijah Dates, Bowles, and Brown all made baskets. Clayton State led 65-48 with a little over six minutes left. With 5:30 left, Harper II scored six straight points and put the Lakers up 71-50.
The Lakers never let the lead go after falling behind 11-10 with 13 minutes left in the first half as they went onto win, 74-58.
GAME VITALS
Final: Clayton State 74, Emmanuel 59
Records: Clayton State: 1-0 | Emmanuel: 0-1
Location: Abney Athletic Center | Anderson University | Anderson, S.C.
QUICK HITS
- Harper II and Shirley led the Lakers with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
- Bowles followed with 11 points.
- Harper II led the Lakers with eight rebounds while Stargell followed with six.
- The Lakers shot 51.8% from the field.
- The Lakers defeated Emmanuel, who made the NCAA Tournament and was the Conference Carolinas Champions last season.
- The Lakers started a season 1-0 for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers conclude play at the Southeast Regional Challenge as they play the host Anderson University Trojans on Sunday, November 12
th. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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