GREENWOOD, S.C. – The Clayton State University men's basketball team were edged out by Lander University, 62-57, on Wednesday evening.  The Lakers were led by DJ Wright's 16 points and 13 points from Aaron Pitts.  
 
The Lakers and Bearcats started the first half knotted up at 13.  Pitts hit a three during that stretch while Jamall Clyce, Marcus Harris, and Lay Davis were among the Lakers with points.  The Lakers then grabbed the momentum.  Tied at 18, Yannis Woods and Wright sparked an 11-1 run and grabbed the lead at 29-19.  Lander then cut into the Laker lead and made the score, 31-26 with 4:30 left. 
 
The Lakers clung to a 34-31 lead going into the halftime break.  Wright and Pitts led the way with seven points. 
 
Halftime: Clayton State 34, Lander 31
 
The two teams traded blows to open the second half as Davis, Pitts, and Wright marked points and the two teams were tied at 41.  With 10 minutes left, Wright and Woods combined for the next six Laker points, and they led, 51-46.  Lander then tied the game at 55 with four minutes left and eventually took the lead at 58-55 with three minutes left. 
 
The Lakers only scored a pair of points in the final three minutes of the game and were edged out by the Bearcats, 62-57. 
 
QUICK HITS

• Wright led the way with 16 points.
• Pitts and Woods followed behind with 13 and 10 points, respectively. 
• Pitts also led the team with six boards.
• The Lakers assisted on 13 of 23 made field goals.
• There were 10 ties and nine different lead changes in the game.
• Neither team shot particularly well as the Lakers shot 36% from the field while Lander only shot 41%.

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers (6-8 (0-4 PBC)) travel to Columbus to take on Columbus State University on Wednesday, January 15^th at 7:30 p.m.

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