AMERICUS, Ga. -- The Georgia Southwestern men's basketball team defeated Clayton State Wednesday night for their fifth conference win on the season. The matchup was the first between the two Peach Belt programs this season. The Hurricanes spread the ball out well in the first half with two players, Devon Higgs and Jarrett Adderton, having 8 points apiece along with both Kevin Kone and Kahlon Whitley right behind them with 7 points each in the first half. Turnovers were an issue for the Lakers as GSW forced nine turnovers in the first half while only having four turnovers themselves. Both teams struggled from three, shooting under 23% from beyond the arc. The Hurricanes led by six at the half hoping to finish the first game of their four-game homestand with a win.
The second half was a battle of the big man as both Kevin Kone and Jalen Shaw traded buckets back and forth for the final 20 minutes. Both big men led their teams in points with 11 with Kevin Kone adding eight rebounds in the process. The Lakers went on many scoring runs during the second half and GSW was able to hold on for each one, either matching with a run themselves or answering their scoring every possession. Jarrett Adderton for the second time in three games hit a clutch three-point jump shot and gave the Hurricanes a three-point lead with just 34 seconds left. A final forced turnover put the final dagger into the Lakers' comeback chances and the Hurricanes got their fourth win in their last five games.
GSW will host North Georgia on Saturday night on homecoming for their second matchup with the Nighthawks this season.
