AMERICUS, Ga. – The Clayton State University men's basketball team fell on the road at Georgia Southwestern State, 73-69, on Wednesday evening.  The Lakers saw three of their starters hit double-figure scoring totals. 
 
The Hurricanes started the first half scoring nine of the first 12 points and led 9-3.  Travis Harper II marked the lone field goal as he drained a three.  The Lakers then immediately cut into their deficit and went on a 13-0 run and took the lead at 16-9.  Brian Coffey II, Baqi Lecky, Harper II, and Ricardo Saams Jr. all scored baskets during that run.  After Georgia Southwestern eventually closed the gap to three at 22-19, Coffey II drained a three and Harper II made a pair of free throws and extended the Laker lead to 27-19. 
 
The Hurricanes concluded the half on a 10-2 run and led the Lakers 34-33 at the half.  Coffey II led the Lakers with 12 points while Lecky followed with eight. 
 
Halftime: Georgia Southwestern State 34, Clayton State 33
 
The Lakers came out of the break on fire as Kobie Johnson nailed a three and a layup.  The Lakers pulled ahead, 38-34.  After a Hurricane layup, Saams Jr. converted a three-point play, and the Lakers took a five-point lead at 41-36.  At the score 45-41, the Hurricanes marked a pair of field goals and retook the lead at 46-45. After Lecky made a free throw and Johnson buried another three, Georgia Southwestern went on an 11-3 run and pulled out in front 57-52.  Saams Jr. nailed a three and made a free throw to end the Hurricane scoring run.  The Lakers trailed by one at 57-56. 
 
At the score, 60-59, the Hurricanes went on a 7-0 run and extended their lead to 67-59.  The Lakers then staged comeback.  Johnson scored the next five Laker points and closed the gap to 67-64 with 1:55 left.  With 21 seconds left and down by five, Johnson made a three and cut the GSW lead to 71-69.  Unfortunately, the Hurricanes drained their final two free throws as they defeated the Lakers, 73-69. 
 
GAME VITALS
Final: Georgia Southwestern State 73, Clayton State 69
Records: Georgia Southwestern State: 13-13 (6-11 PBC) | Clayton State: 3-24 (1-16 PBC)
Location: Storm Dome | Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus, Ga.
 
QUICK HITS

• Johnson led the Lakers with 18 points on 4-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc.
• Saams jr. and Coffey II followed with 16 points apiece.
• Johnson, Saams Jr., Harper II, and Wes Williams led the Lakers with four boards each.
• The Lakers forced 13 Hurricane turnovers and scored 11 points off those turnovers.

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers conclude their season as they travel to Augusta, Ga. to take on the nationally ranked Jaguars of Augusta University.  Tipoff on Saturday, February 25^th is set for 3:30 p.m.
 
Be sure to follow Clayton State Athletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.