Late Laker rally comes up short in 77-76 defeat against Columbus State

MORROW, Ga. --- JANUARY 31, 2007 --- There was no quit in the Clayton State Laker men’s basketball team on Wednesday night against in-state Peach Belt Conference archrival Columbus State. However, a late rally came up short as the Lakers dropped a tough 77-76 decision to Columbus State at the Athletics and Fitness Center.

Sixth-ranked Clayton State is now 18-2 overall and 7-2 in the Peach Belt South Division. The Lakers now trail Augusta State, which rolled past Armstrong Atlantic 77-53 on Wednesday, by two games in the Peach Belt South Division.

The Lakers trailed 77-71 with 19 seconds remaining, but nearly pulled it off in the waning moments. John Beugnot knocked down two free throws, and then Columbus State’s Justin Wilson missed the front end of a one-and-one. Clayton State’s Brandon Kelley then drained a 3-point basket with 1.9 seconds to trim the Cougar lead to one point.

Following a timeout, Kelley stole the inbounds pass at midcourt, but his 23-footer at the buzzer hit off the backboard as time expired.

It was the effort and character that the Lakers needed after battling the smaller, quicker Cougars the whole game

Clayton State knew the Columbus State would come out firing from the perimeter, and it did just that. The Cougars made seven of their first nine 3-point attempts to take a 21-17 lead in the first four minutes. The lead changed hands numerous times before Columbus State closed out the first half with a 20-9 run to lead 46-39 at halftime.

After the Lakers opened the second half with a basket, Columbus State went on an 8-0 run to take a 54-41 lead with 16 minutes remaining. The Cougars stretched the lead to 19 points, 62-43 on a Corris Portis jump shot at the 14:21 mark.

However, with resiliency, Clayton State mounted a 21-2 run over the next 10 minutes. Michael Sloan and Todd McLaurin both drained 3-point baskets, and then McLaurin converted a lay-up off an inbounds steal to tie the game 64-64 with 4:27 remaining.

Columbus State answered with two jumps shots by Sean Miller and Wilson. Wilson then drained a crucial 3-point basket to give the Cougars a 71-66 lead with 1:24 remaining.

Beugnot scored 19 points to pace Clayton State, while Kelley scored 17 points and Sloan scored 10 points for the Lakers. Clayton State out-rebounded Columbus State 52-35.

For Columbus State (12-8, 5-4 PBC), Ron Robinson scored a game-high 30 points on seven 3-point baskets, while Wilson scored 14 points and Miller scored 13 points off the bench for the Cougars. Columbus State connected on 17 3-point baskets.

Clayton State travels to USC-Upstate on Saturday at 4 p.m.