The Hocking College Men’s Basketball Team (6-13) fell to Clark State (10-11), 77-70, despite coming back within one from a 20-point second half deficit.
Clark State dominated the game early, leading 43-27 at the half. Freshman guard Ben Harris led the way in scoring with 14 of his team-high 21 in the first half.
Brandon Hardin helped push the Eagles lead to 20 with 13 minutes left in regulation. The freshman guard added 20 points, going a perfect 9-of-9 at the free throw line.
Freshman Azende Johnson and sophomore Dalane Brown sparked a late comeback for the Hawks, combining 28 points in the second half. A layup by Johnson cut the lead to one (67-66) with 1:33 remaining. However, Clark State maintained the lead and prevailed with late-game free throws. The Eagles shot 23-of-27 from the line.
Johnson led the Hawks with a game-high of 23 points, Brown added 17 points, and sophomore Jose Deleon had 10 points for the Hawks.
The Men's Basketball Team will take on Lakeland Community College at home this Saturday, Feb. 2 at 3PM in the Student Center Multiplex.