The Cougars lost for the first time at home this season.
Wallace State - Hanceville (10-3, 0-1) took an 80-70 victory and held a big edge in the rebounding department grabbing 35 rebounds compared to the Cougars 18. The Lions also shot better from the field at 58.8 percent to Cleveland State's 43.1.
"Not our best performance tonight," head coach Rafael Howard said. "We didn't execute well enough on either side of the ball."
Julius King, Jr. led the way scoring for Cleveland State (5-4, 2-2) with 25 points. Thaddeus Johnson put up another 20.
For the Lions Jimmie Williams put in a game high 27 points while also bringing down nine rebounds.
"We'll get another chance on Saturday," Howard said. "We'll need to be much better at their place."
The two will meet again this Saturday at Wallace State to complete their home-and-home season series. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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Edwin Bear
Cleveland State Community College
Sports Information/Media Relations