BOWIE, Md. --- With just four seconds remaining in the game, Trey Nelson turned the corner of the defense off a screen from Jeremy Thomas II and finished with the game-winning layup, giving Clarion a 70-68 victory over Fayetteville State. The transfer point guard had an outstanding performance, leading the team with 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
 
The Golden Eagles were down 57-51 with 10:40 remaining in the second half but went on a 15-3 scoring run over the next five and a half minutes. Gavin Cote was the spark, hitting three three-pointers, while Traden Gray, Justice Easter, and Nelson each added key baskets, giving Clarion a 66-60 lead with just five minutes remaining.
 
Easter hit a huge one-dribble pull-up jumper after a nice pump fake to give the Golden Eagles a 68-66 advantage with just 1:06 remaining. Although Easter scored only four points in the game, both of his baskets came at crucial moments that helped put Clarion ahead. Tairell Fletcher then hit a jump shot to tie the game at 68 with 30 seconds left, before Nelson converted the game-winning layup moments later.
 
The Golden Eagles shot a solid 50.0% from the field overall, but they were particularly efficient in the second half, raising their shooting percentage to 55.17%. They also dominated the interior, outscoring the Broncos 40-22 in points in the paint.
 
Thomas had a big first half, scoring nine of his 13 points before the break. He also contributed six rebounds and four steals. With 15:40 left in the first half, Thomas II converted an and-one layup off a nice pass from Nelson, giving the Golden Eagles an early 10-2 lead. Transfer Cam Crockett also made significant contributions in the first half, pulling down three offensive rebounds, two of which directly led to Golden Eagle baskets.
 
 
Clarion held an early 10-point advantage after a Crockett putback layup, but the Broncos chipped away at the lead. With 2:10 left in the first half, Ezekiel Cannedy gave Fayetteville State their first lead of the game with a three-pointer. Cannedy was a headache for Clarion all night, scoring a game-high 24 points and adding a pair of steals. The teams traded a few baskets to close out the half, including a thunderous dunk by Thomas II and entered the break tied at 34.
 
The second half started similarly, with both teams trading baskets and neither leading by more than six points. Fayetteville State managed to build a 57-51 lead before the Golden Eagles went on their game-changing run.
 
Clarion will return to Tippin Gymnasium on Wednesday for their home opener against Roberts Wesleyan. Read Full Article