DAHLONEGA — The University of North Georgia men's basketball team suffered a tough loss against Clayton State Wednesday night in the final game in Memorial Hall, 89-63. The Nighthawks fall to 10-15 on the season with the loss.
 
After losing to CSU earlier in the season, North Georgia came out with a vengeance. Both teams saw a tightly contested first half, ending the first half in a tie, 28-28. Ephraim Tshimanga and Carrod Watson led the way with six points each.
 
To start off the second half, CSU made the first move with a three from Justin Tuckson, prompting the Lakers to begin pulling away and outscore the Nighthawks 41-20 in the period. Despite the Nighthawks' efforts to fight back, Clayton State always had an answer to regain momentum to seal the win.
 
NOTES
-  Three Nighthawks finished in double figures, led by Lanre Olatunji's 13 points. Watson finished with 11, while Ebo Smith contributed 10.
 
-  Clayton State's Jaylen Taylor was the top-scorer with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting.
 
-  There were seven lead changes in the game, six of them in the first period.
 
NEXT UP
North Georgia will look to bounce back in Peach Belt Conference play against Georgia College on Saturday, February 17 in Milledgeville, Georgia. Tip time is set for 5:30 p.m.