Cleveland State opened the new year with a win.
The Cougars (6-5, 2-2) pulled away in the second half to defeat Bryan College's JV team 94-72. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak.
It was a two-point game at halftime with Cleveland State rallying late in the first half to walk into the locker room with the lead.
Four players scored in double figures for the Cougars with Thaddeus Johnson leading the way with 23 points. Julius King, Jr. was right behind him with 22 points to go along with seven assists. Hayden Smith added another 19 while Caleb Chapman was two rebounds away from a double-double with 12 points and eight boards.
Cleveland State plays next at Jackson State (2-6, 1-3) in a conference matchup. The Cougars look to remain towards the middle of the pack in conference play, but can fall further down the standings with a loss. Tip-off is set for Saturday, January 13 at 5 p.m.
