Rally comes up short for Clayton State men in 81-75 defeat against Columbus State
 Kelly scores 16 points as Lakers fall to 5-7 overall and 1-4 in the Peach Belt Conference

MORROW, Ga. – Jan. 9, 2008 — Aiming to halt a two-game losing streak, the Clayton State Laker men’s basketball team made a furious rally on Wednesday night against visiting in-state rival Columbus State. However, the Lakers could not overcome a big deficit and came up on the short end of an 81-75 setback at the Athletics and Fitness Center.

Clayton State falls to 5-7 overall and 1-4 in the Peach Belt.

Columbus State came into the game known for its 3-point shooting attack, averaging 11 3-point baskets a game. And the Cougars showed that worth in the first half with 10 3-point baskets, including five by guard Corris Portis.

Portis gave the Cougars a 36-29 lead with a 3-point basket with 5:31 remaining – the first of five straight long-range shots by Columbus State as the Cougars led 48-37 at halftime.

Columbus State stretched the lead 18 points on two straight 3-point baskets by Quay Holloway at the 11:33 mark. But trailing by 16 points, the Lakers mounted a strong rally to get back in the game.

Will Lewis ignited a 12-0 Clayton State run with a 3-point basket, followed by a tip-in by Bernard Fields. The Lakers then forced a turnover, and Brian Kelly scored a lay-up in transition and converted the 3-point play to cut the Cougar lead to 71-66 with 1:57 remaining. Two more free throws by Tracy Williams, and the Lakers were within three points, 71-68 at the 1:37 mark.

However, Columbus State would not flinch. Miguel Morton drained an 18-foot jump shot as the shot clock was expiring, and three free throws by Javarus Stewart extended the Cougar lead to 76-70 with 30 seconds remaining.

After making a free throw, Clayton State cut the lead to two points on a Williams 3-point basket with 17 seconds remaining. That, however, was as close as the Lakers would get.

Kelly paced Clayton State with 16 points as four Lakers scored in double-figures. Michael Sloan scored 15 points, while Williams had a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. Jerome Boyd added 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

For Columbus State (6-8, 2-2), Portis scored 19 points, followed by Stewart with 18 points. Maurice Arnold scored 12 points and Sean Miller added 11 points off the bench. The Cougars connected on 15 3-point baskets for the game.

Clayton State is off this weekend. The Lakers return to action next Wednesday (Jan. 16) in a Peach Belt Conference showdown at in-state rival Georgia Southwestern.