MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State University men's basketball team opened its 2023-24 home schedule with a 72-66 loss against Miles College on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Golden Bears started the first half scoring six of the first eight points and made the score, 6-2.  Tyler Shirley hit a jumper during that stretch.  The Lakers then went on a 10-3 run and led 12-9.  Shirley hit a three and Keandre Bowles converted an and-one opportunity.  The two teams then traded blows until the Lakers established a lead.  After Miles hit a three, tying the game at 19, Aaron Pitts, Kennedy Brown, and Travis Harper II all scored points and the Lakers pulled out in front 25-21.  Brown and Harper II knocked down threes. 
 
With under two minutes left and with the Lakers up 29-26, Wes Williams drilled a pair of threes and give the largest lead of the game for the Lakers at 35-28.  The Golden Bears scored five of the final seven points of the half and cut the Lakers' lead to 37-33 going into the half.
 
Halftime: Clayton State 37, Miles 33
 
Miles got off to a hot start to the second half as they scored the first eight points of the half and jumped out to a 41-37 lead.  The Lakers immediately got the lead back as they scored the next five points moving the score to 42-41.  The two teams went back-and-forth the next couple of minutes then Miles took control of the game.  At the score 53-52, Miles went on an 11-0 run and jumped out to a 61-52 lead.  Jamall Clyce made a three-pointer to stop the run. 
 
With a minute-thirty left, the Lakers kept fighting as Williams made a three and Bowles made a pair of free throws.  TJ Stargell and Harper II made baskets in the final 30 seconds, but Miles pulled out a 72-66 win over Clayton State. 
 
GAME VITALS
Final: Miles 72, Clayton State 66
Records: Miles: 1-1 | Clayton State: 1-2
Location: The Loch | Clayton State University | Morrow, Ga.
 
QUICK HITS

• Harper II led the Lakers with 11 points and 13 rebounds, marking his first double-double of the season.
• Williams knocked down a trio of threes and followed with 10 points. 
• Clyce contributed nine points and five boards.
• The Lakers made six of seven from the free throw line.
• Both teams grabbed 34 rebounds.
• The Lakers, as a team, marked nine blocks and Williams led the team with three.

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers stay at home as they welcome inter-city foe Morehouse College on Wednesday, November 22^nd.  The game is set to tipoff at 1 p.m. from the Loch.  Please visit claytonstatesports.com to purchase your tickets. 
 
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