MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State University men's basketball hosted Elizabeth City State University at the Loch on Tuesday afternoon.  The Vikings used a 18-0 run in the middle of the second half and they went onto defeat the Lakers, 76-69. 
 
The first half saw the Lakers pull ahead and never trailed.  The Lakers led 9-1 early and that was highlighted by a pair of threes by Jamall Clyce.  The Vikings got within a pair at 9-7 but a layup by Eddie Page and an and-one conversation by Aaron Pitts made the score 14-7.  After the Vikings cut the game to one at 27-26, Jojo Bell and Clyce answered the call and made the score 32-28. 
 
ECSU eventually tied the game at 32 but a three-ball by Matt Brown sparked a 5-0 run to end the half and made the score, 37-32.  Clyce led the Lakers with 11 points and Lay Davis led the team with four boards.  The Lakers forced 13 turnovers and blocked six shots in the half. 
 
Halftime: Clayton State 37, ECSU 32
 
The Lakers continued to grow their lead at the beginning of the second half as they led by as much as 12 at 46-34.  Bell led the Lakers with five points in the early going of the half.  Elizabeth City State then cut into the Clayton State lead.  At 46-34, the Vikings scored the next six points and made the score, 46-40.  Then, Clyce, Christian Chambers, and Bell all made baskets and made the score, 52-42.  The Vikings then had all the momentum and went on an 18-0 run and took their first lead of the game at 60-52.  A three by Elijah Dates ended the run for the Vikings.
 
The Lakers eventually got within two at 65-63 with under five minutes left.  The Lakers saw points from Dashaun Joseph, Pitts, Bell, and Eddie Page during that stretch.  That is the closest the Lakers got to the Vikings as they went onto drop a 76-69 decision. 
 
QUICK HITS

• Bell led the Lakers with 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting. 
• Pitts followed with 16 points, four steals, and six rebounds which led the team.
• Clyce also scored in double-figures tossing in 13 on 5-for-8 shooting. 
• The Lakers shot 78% from the free throw line. 
• Clayton State forced 23 turnovers which led to 32 points. 

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers (4-3) dip into Peach Belt Conference (PBC) play as they play the nationally-ranked Nighthawks of the University of North Georgia on Saturday, December 7^th.  Tipoff is set for 8 pm.
 
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