MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State University men's basketball pulled off a 66-63 victory over Columbus State University on Homecoming Saturday at the Loch.  In the game, Ricardo Saams Jr. etched his name in the Laker record books. 
 
The Cougars got off to a great start as they marked nine of the first 11 points and took an early lead at 9-2.  Saams Jr. made the lone field goal for the Lakers.  At the score 11-7, the Lakers saw a layup by Saams Jr. and a three-ball by Travis Harper II and closed the gap to 11-9.  Columbus State then went on a 7-2 run and grew their lead to 18-11. 
 
After the Cougars extended their lead to 11 at 30-19 with four minutes left in the half, the Lakers went on a 7-2 run to end the half. Columbus State led 32-26. 
 
Halftime: Columbus State 32, Clayton State 26

The Lakers got off to a good start in the second half as they started the half on a 10-3 run.  Saams Jr. scored six points during that run.  The Lakers took their first lead at 38-37.  The two teams traded blows until the Lakers started pulling away.  At 43 all, Harper II, Wes Williams, and Brian Coffey II all knocked down three-pointers and the Lakers took the lead at 52-43.  The Cougars immediately cut into that deficit with the next seven points moving the score to 52-50.  The two teams continued to trade blows towards the backend of the half.  With 2:30 left, the Couguars made a three-pointer and tied the game at 63.
 
With a 1:25 left and with the shot clock waning, Saams Jr. buried a turnaround three-pointer and put the Lakers ahead 66-63.  That ended up being the difference as the Lakers picked up their first Peach Belt Conference (PBC) victory winning, 66-63.
 
GAME VITALS
Final: Clayton State 66, Columbus State 63
Records: Clayton State: 3-21 (1-13 PBC) | Columbus State; 13-11 (6-8 PBC)
Location: The Loch | Clayton State University | Morrow, Ga.
 
QUICK HITS

• Saams Jr. led the Lakers with 21 points and 16 boards. 
• Saams Jr., in the first half, broke the school record with the most career rebounds. 
• The Laker senior also becomes the first Laker to have 1,000+ points and 600+ rebounds in a career.
• Harper II and Williams added 18 and 12 points, respectively. 
• Saams Jr. and Coffey II led the way with four assists.
• Both teams scored 32 points in the paint. 

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers conclude their home schedule on Wednesday, February 15^th as they host the Saints of Flagler for Senior Night.  Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. In addition to it being senior night, it is also faculty/staff appreciation night.
 
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