AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Brevard men's basketball team held a first-half lead by as many as 21 points, but watched its advantage evaporate as Clayton State stormed back with 49 points in the second stanza to defeat the Tornados 72-61 in the season opener for both teams.

The Tornados (0-1) were led by preseason first team all-conference selection Darius Moose, who reached the 20 point plateau for the 18th time in his Brevard career. The senior was one of two Tornados to score in double figures, notching a team-high 23 points while guard Phil Wallace contributed 14 points in his first game since transferring from Cape Fear Community College.

The game began auspiciously for the Tornados, with Brevard going 11-for-16 from the field during the first 14 minutes of play and opening up a 28-7 lead on the Lakers (1-0) on a Moose jumper with 6:16 to play in the half. But Clayton State rose to the challenge, scoring 16 of the final 22 points of the half to cut Brevard's lead at the break to 11 points at 34-23.

The lead hovered near the 10-point mark until Clayton State embarked on another impressive run. The Lakers equaled Brevard's early-game exploits by going on a 28-7 run that took just under six minutes off the clock. Five Lakers would combine to go 10-of-11 from the field during the span, including knocking down nine consecutive shots, forcing three Brevard turnovers and holding the Tornados to a 2-of-7 mark from the field during the decisive stretch.

With Clayton State leading by a dozen points with 9:35 remaining, the Tornados were unable to make a serious challenge for the game's lead. A Brayden Masten layup, accounting for two of the freshman's seven points on the evening, cut the lead to 68-61 with 1:32 to play, but the Tornados would get no closer as four Laker free throws down the stretch led to Clayton State's final 11-point cushion.

Kelsey Terry paced Clayton State with 30 points and seven rebounds. Jamil McKee had a solid all-around effort, scoring 13 points while pulling down nine rebounds, tied for the game high with teammate Richard Bell. Saiquan Terry joined his Kelsey Terry and McKee in double figures with 12 points.

Clayton State took advantage of 18 Brevard turnovers on the evening, scoring 22 points off of Tornados' miscues while Brevard managed just eight points on 12 Lakers' turnovers. Clayton State also held a 13-4 edge in fast break points and used its depth to take advantage of a Brevard team that saw just seven players enter the game.

Brevard concludes play at the Peach Belt-SAC Challenge Saturday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. as the Tornados take on host GRU Augusta.

Featured image courtesy of Tommy Moss.