MORROW, Ga. -- The Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team picked up its third-consecutive win with a 73-57 Peach Belt Conference victory at Clayton State University Wednesday evening in The Loch.

How It Happened: The Hurricanes led by a point at the half, 32-31, but scored the first eight points of the second period to pull away. GSW stretched its lead to 22 points with less than four minutes remaining.

GSW dominated the paint, outscoring Clayton State, 40-16. The Hurricanes 39 rebounds was their most in a Peach Belt game this season and they finished with a 39-30 advantage over the Lakers. The smothering Hurricanes defense matched its season high with 11 steals and forced 16 turnovers. Both teams made five shots from beyond the arc, but it took GSW 11 fewer attempts to get to that number. Assists were even at 12 apiece.

It was the first Hurricanes victory in The Loch since Jan. 28, 2015.     

Who Stood Out: Donte Tatum led the way for GSW with 18 points behind 9 of 11 shooting. Noah Louis picked up his second double-double of the season with an 11-point, 11-rebound effort. Louis made the most of his 21 minutes on the floor, including 4 of 5 shots. C.J. Hood was called on for 25 minutes of action off the bench and delivered with 12 points and four rebounds. The freshman from Atlanta has scored in double figures in each of his last three games. Devon Higgs led GSW in the first half with eight points and finished with 11 in the game, along with eight rebounds. 

Clayton State (0-5, 0-5 PBC) had three players score in double figures. Daniel Melvin led the way with 18 points. Ricardo Saams, Jr. posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Jordan Curtis scored 10 points.      

Up Next: The Hurricanes (6-1, 4-1 PBC) travel to Flagler College (6-2, 4-1 PBC) on Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. showdown with the Saints.