BLUFFTON, S.C. – The Clayton State University men's basketball return to the court in its first game since December 19
th and suffered an 80-71 setback to USC Beaufort on Saturday afternoon. The Lakers were led by 20 points from
Aaron Pitts and 15 points from
Jojo Bell.
The Lakers found themselves down early in the first half, 11-5, and eventually deadlocked the game at 11 after baskets by
Mason Pierre,
Dashaun Joseph, and
Jamall Clyce. At the score, 13 all, USCB went on an 8-0 run and made the score, 21-13. Pitts tossed in a pair of field goals and closed the gap to four at 21-17.
DJ Wright and Bell buried threes in the final five minutes of the half, but USC Beaufort led the Lakers, 36-28 at end of the first half.
Halftime: USC Beaufort 36, Clayton State 28
The Lakers got within four at 39-35 at the start of the second half after baskets from Bell, Clyce, and Pitts. The half then saw the momentum shift to the Sand Sharks as they built a 15-point lead at 56-41 with 13 minutes left in the game. Joseph then sparked a 12-3 run, and the Lakers found themselves back in the game at 59-53. Laker newcomer
Emmanuel Jones converted an and-one opportunity during that run. The Lakers had one final effort at a comeback as they cut their deficit to six at 68-62 with six minutes left but that is the closest they eventually got to USCB.
The Sand Sharks scored seven of the final 11 points and went onto win the game, 80-71.
QUICK HITS
- Pitts notched his second 20-point game of the season and added five assists and two steals.
- Bell added 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting including going 3-for-4 beyond the arc.
- Joseph led the Lakers with eight boards.
- The Lakers suffer their first loss to USC Beaufort in three meetings.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers (6-6 (0-2 PBC)) host the Jaguars of Augusta University on Wednesday, January 8
th inside the Loch at 7:30 p.m. Please visit claytonstatesports.com for the most updated ticket and live links.
Be sure to follow Clayton State Athletics on
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Facebook.
