MORROW, Ga. - The Columbus State University men's basketball team couldn't finish a furious rally on Saturday, coming up short 69-67 against Clayton State University in Peach Belt Conference action. The game was played inside The Loch in Morrow, Ga.
Columbus State (16-8, 7-7 PBC) found themselves down 12, 66-54, with 5:19 to go before turning on the jets to put pressure on the Lakers. Turning up the defensive heat, CSU forced four Clayton State turnovers, helping fuel a 10-0 run that pulled the Cougars within two with under two minutes to play.
Clayton State (8-16, 3-11) broke the run with two free throws, however on the following possession,
Langston Gaither drew a crucial foul on a 3-point attempt giving the Cougars life. Gaither made all three at the line, making it a 68-67 game with 1:24 to go.
The Lakers were unable to add to the lead on their next trip down the court, despite three chances following offensive rebounds, allowing CSU the chance for the go-ahead bucket. However, a turnover ended the comeback attempt and allowed Clayton State to escape with the win.
"No loss is easy to take, but this one stings," commented head coach
Robert Moore. "The guys played their tails off down the stretch, but we just couldn't execute in the final seconds. There are no nights off in this league this year, and you have to bring your A-game every night out."
Three Cougars ended the night in double-figures led by 18 from Gaither.
Nelson Haskin and
Christian Chambers added 11 and 10 points, respectively. CSU shot 35.6% (21-for-59) but were just 3-for-19 from 3-point range.
It was another slow start for the Cougars as the score was tied at just 11 more than 11 minutes in the game. Both teams started to heat up from there, especially Clayton State from deep. The Lakers made five 3's over the final eight minutes of the half, but Columbus State hung in, going 6-for-12 from the field to end the half tied at 34 with the Lakers.
The start of the second half was a different story though. After CSU took a quick lead, Clayton State used a 17-5 run to take command of the game. Columbus State wasn't able to shoot itself out of the draught, going 1-for-11 from the field during the seven-and-half minute stretch.
CSU found its shooting touch again, but it wasn't enough as the late run fell short.
Ricardo Lynch scored a game-high 24 ponts after going 5-for-9 from beyond the arc. Jalen Shaw posted an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double for the Lakers.
The Lakers shot 42.1% (24-for-57) overall and were 12-for-25 (48.0%) from 3-point range.
UP NEXT
Columbus State will remain on the road for a midweek showdown against Georgia Southwestern University on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Tipoff will be at 7:30 p.m. in Americus, Ga.
COUGAR NOTES
• Columbus State had 17 points off of turnovers compared to just two from Clayton State
• Eleven of Gaither's 18 points came from the free throw line. It's the third time this season he has made 10 or more free throws, while he sits sixth in the PBC with a 78.4% free throw percentage
• CSU's 15.8% mark from 3-point range was a season-low. It's the sixth time this year Columbus State has shot worst than 25% from deep
• Columbus State is now 3-3 in games decided by three points or less. Five of the six games have taken place since Jan. 26
• The Cougars are now 2-4 on the road in conference play. Overall, CSU is 6-5 in road games
• Clayton State snapped a four-game losing streak to the Cougars in the series history. However, Columbus State still leads 34-20 all-time
