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However, 16th-ranked Augusta State got two free throws from Tyrekus Bowman with nine seconds remaining and held on for a thrilling 67-65 victory over Clayton State. The defeat drops Clayton State to 10-11 overall and 6-8 in the Peach Belt Conference. Clayton State trailed by 10 points almost midway into the second half with a dunk by Bowman gave the Jaguars a 47-37 lead with 14:26 remaining. However, the Lakers methodically fought their way back. 3-point baskets by Tracy Williams and Bernard Fields trimmed the Augusta State lead to five points, and another 3-point basket by Michael Sloan made the Jaguar lead 52-48 with 10:59 remaining. Augusta State pushed the lead back to seven points, but Clayton State stormed back again. Sloan drained another 2-point basket, and a 3-point basket by Fields gave the Lakers a 58-57 lead at the 3:48 mark. The changed hands twice before Sloan’s driving lay-up gave Clayton State a 63-62 lead, only to have Ben Madgen give Augusta State lead right back with a 3-point basket with 42 seconds remaining. Clayton State tied the game on a lay-up by Brian Kelly with 28 seconds remaining, giving Augusta State possession. Bowman got the ball on the low post, and was fouled by Kelly trying to draw the charge. Bowman then sank both free throws, and the Lakers could not get off a possible game-tying shot on their last possession. Williams paced Clayton State with 17 points and five assists, while Sloan scored 16 points. Clayton State shot 46 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range. However, the Lakers missed nine free throws. Madgen scored 21 points for Augusta State (17-4, 12-2), while Garret Siler scored 17 points and Bowman scored 14 points. Clayton State limited Augusta State to only 38 percent shooting from the field and only 30 percent shooting from 3-point range. Clayton State plays host to Georgia Southwestern on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. |
