Cougars Pick Up First Conference Win of the Season

Cleveland State won their first conference game of the season this afternoon.

The Cougars (5-12, 1-8) took out Southwest Tennessee (11-6, 5-4) in front of their home fans 76-68.

"Hats off to Southwest, they played tough the whole game," Cleveland State head coach Rafael Howard said.  "We battled, followed the game plan and played with poise."

Jeremiah Hayes shined for Cleveland scoring a game high 32 points going 12-19 from the field and 6-6 from the free throw line. He added five assists and four rebounds to his stat line.

"Hayes played well," Howard said.  "When his shots are falling, he makes it tough for teams."  

While Hayes was the only Cougar to score in double figures, the team collectively went 19-24 from the free throw line, shooting 13 percent above their average from the charity stripe.

The Saluqis were led by Jean Yvens Lafleur with 20 points. He also brought down seven rebounds, but that is down two from his average where he is third in the conference. SW Tennessee also had both Jacory Dixon and Tyson Jones come in off the bench to put up double figures in scoring.

"We'll enjoy this today and get ready for Jackson on Saturday," Howard said.

Cleveland State looks to use this momentum when they hit the court next at Jackson State (7-9, 2-6) Saturday with tip-off set for 5 p.m.

Edwin Bear
Cleveland State Community College
Sports Information/Media Relations