Braves Fall To Lakers In Low-Scoring Slobberknocker, 60-57

PEMBROKE – Despite registering their seventh consecutive game of recording more rebounds than their opponent, the UNCP men’s basketball team was doomed by a season-low shooting percentage on Saturday, causing them to fall to the visiting Clayton State Lakers by a 60-57 final at the English E. Jones Center in Pembroke.

The Braves (6-2, 1-1 PBC) finished with just 19-of-60 (31.7 percent) from the floor as a squad, and were only 4-of-16 (25.0 percent) from long range in finishing with their lowest scoring output of the season.

The Lakers (6-2, 1-0 PBC) finished with 36.5 percent (19-of-52) shooting on the night, and were able to extend their lead to  nine points with 3:03 to go in the second half behind 48.1 percent (13-of-27) shooting in the second stanza.

UNCP would trim the visitor’s lead down to one point with 16 seconds remaining, but the Lakers’ Timothy Downs would sink two free throws to increase Clayton State’s lead back out to three points.

The Braves would attempt to tie the score with a 3-point attempt by Cody Hughes, but the junior’s shot would find the iron, allowing Clayton State to escape with a three point victory.

UNCP has now lost two games this season by a total of five points.

Sophomore K.J. Cooper led the UNCP offensive effort with 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting from the field, including 2-of-7 from downtown. The Enfield native also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out two assists on the night.

Senior Chris Hargrove notched 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the floor while also recording a team-high eight rebounds while sophomore Shahmel Brackett was the only other UNCP athlete in double figures with 11 points.

The Braves will look to regroup before their next matchup on Wednesday, Dec. 15, when they host Allen at 7:00 p.m. at the English E. Jones Center.