AMERICUS, Ga. -- Senior James Arnold, Jr. made the first shot of the game and sent the Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team off to the races in an 80-59 win over Clayton State University Wednesday evening in the Storm Dome. The Hurricanes never trailed and fittingly, Arnold put an exclamation point on Senior Night by scoring the final Georgia Southwestern basket of the game. 

GSW has won four of its last five contests and improved to 10-4 overall this season, 8-4 in the Peach Belt Conference. Clayton State remains winless on the season at 0-7. It was the Lakers first road game in over a month. 

How It Happened: GSW jumped out to an 11-2 lead and never looked back. The Hurricanes closed out the first half on a 16-6 run and led 42-31 at the break.

GSW picked up right where it left off and opened the second half with a 12-2 burst to stretch the margin to 21 points, 54-33. Clayton State could get no closer than within 16 points the rest of the way. 

Both teams finished with five made 3-point baskets. The difference in the game was inside the arc where GSW took care of business by holding a 16-point edge, 46-30, in points in the paint. On the defensive end, GSW recorded a season-high nine blocks and tied its season low with 17 fouls. The Hurricanes forced Clayton State into eight more turnovers, 19-11, and held a lopsided 20-5 advantage in points off those turnovers.  

Who Stood Out: Donte Tatum led all scorers with 23 points. He was nearly perfect from the floor, connecting on 11 of 15 shot attempts for GSW. Devon Higgs collected his third double-double of the season. Higgs scored 18 points and led all players with 13 rebounds. He added five steals and four assists. The Hurricanes other non-returning senior, Baris Ulker, was recognized, along with Arnold, Jr., in a Senior Night ceremony prior to opening tip. Ulker had to sit out the game with an injury.       

Clayton State had one starter reach double figures in scoring. Stef Korfas led the Lakers with 14 points. Ricardo Saams, Jr. came off the bench to add 13 points behind 5 of 8 shooting.

Up Next: The Hurricanes host Fort Valley State in a non-conference game Saturday at 6 p.m. To keep in compliance with Fort Valley State and its conference's COVID policies, no spectators will be allowed to attend.