COCHRAN, Ga. – The Clayton State University men's basketball team traveled down to play the Middle Georgia State University Knights for a Wednesday evening PBC tilt.  The Lakers dropped a 70-59 game despite four of five starters scoring in double figures. 
 
The Lakers found themselves down early, 11-6, as Jojo Bell led the Lakers with four points.  Clayton State fought back after baskets by Tahai Morgan and Eddie Page to eventually take a 18-17 lead.  Andre Young then tossed in a layup and knocked down a three to extend the lead to 23-17.  The Lakers stretched their lead to nine after DJ Wright made three field goals, pushing the score to 30-21. 
 
The Lakers held a 36-34 lead going into the halftime break shooting 41% from the field.  Bell and Young led the Lakers with nine points. 
 
Halftime: Clayton State 36, Middle Georgia State 34
 
The Knights stormed out of the break and drained three, three-pointers and went on a 10-1 run, pulling out to a 44-37 lead.  Page ended the run with a layup.  Middle Georgia continued to carry that momentum in the second half eventually outscoring the Lakers, 36-23.  The Knights led by as much as 11 in the half at 58-47.  However, baskets by Joey Thomas and Morgan pulled the Lakers with in seven at 58-51. 
 
The Lakers could not close the gap further and ultimately fell, 70-59. 
 
QUICK HITS

• Bell led the Lakers with 14 points and nine boards.  He also shot 8-for-11 from the free throw line.
• Wright followed with 13, while Young and Page dropped in 11 and 10, respectively. 
• The Knights outrebounded the Lakers, 37-31.

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers (2-22 (1-15 PBC)) host the Jaguars of Augusta University on Wednesday, February 18^th for Greek Night at 7:30 p.m. inside the Loch.
 
Be sure to follow Clayton State Athletics, "South Atlanta's College Team" on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.