MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State University men's basketball team opened is 2025 home slate on Wednesday evening as they hosted Augusta University inside the Loch.  The Lakers fall, 72-62. 
 
The two teams traded the first 12 points of the first half as Lay Davis and Jamall Clyce supplied the early offense for the Lakers.  The Jaguars then went on a 13-3 run and made the score, 19-9.  A Marcus Harris jumper halted the Jaguar run.  Augusta then pulled away and made the score, 27-15 with nine minutes left.  The Lakers then responded with a 7-2 run and made the score, 29-22.  Harris nailed a three during that run.  With the score, 32-22, Clayton State would cut its deficit to three after baskets by Jojo Bell, Clyce, and DJ Wright and made the score, 34-31. 
 
Augusta went onto to take 39-35 lead going into the halftime break. 
 
Halftime: Augusta 39, Clayton State 35
 
The Jaguars got off to a strong start in the second half and took a 48-38 lead.  The Lakers then saw Clyce, Aaron Pitts, and Yannis Woods make baskets and made the score, 48-46.  At the score, 50-47, Augusta went on a 12-1 run and grew its lead to 62-48.  Davis converted an and-one opportunity to halt the Jaguar run. 
 
The Lakers were unable to overcome that deficit and went onto lose, 72-62 inside the Loch. 
 
QUICK HITS

• Four of the five starters scored in double figures.
• Wright and Davis led with 12 points.
• Woods and Davis led the team with five boards.
• The Lakers forced 15 Jaguar turnovers and scored 20 points off those turnovers.
• Augusta shot 56% from the field.

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers (6-7 0-3 PBC)) travel to play Lander University in Greenwood, S.C. on Saturday, January 11^th at 3:30 p.m.