CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Paris Taylor put in 20 points and Demarius Boyd contributed 23 from the bench, but it wasn't enough for Walters State Wednesday night. Cleveland State was able to hold on late in the second half for an 81-78 win.

The Senators (14-11, 7-7 TCCAA) have dropped five of their last six conference games.

The Cougars and WSCC opened the contest trading the lead back and forth for the first six minutes until a Jaquez Hicks dunk put CSCC up 15-12 at 14:02. A three from Jakobey Hitchens with six ticks left on the first half clock gave Cleveland State a 42-33 lead heading into the locker room. The nine-point cushion wouldn't hold in the second half.

The Senators tied the game twice in the game's final 20 minutes. With a little over 10 minutes to go in the game a Taylor layup made the score 59-57. A free throw from Taylor would pull WSCC within one a minute later. A freebie from Kamair Barnes would finally tie it up with under eight minutes to go, but a 7-0 run would put the Cougars back in control.

With 4:40 left, Luiz Machado snatched a rebound and scored on WSCC's end, tying the game 70-70 and a Boyd dunk and free throw gave the Senators their first lead since the opening minutes of the game, 73-70.

With a little under two minutes to go, Cleveland State got back on top with a Hitchens dunk, 76-75 and was able to hold on as the clock wound down for the three-point victory.

Machado scored 11 for Walters State. Sly Thompson finished with eight points.

Hitchens led CSCC with 24 points. Demonta Person scored 19, Hicks added 12 and Jon Morgan contributed 11.

NEXT UP

Walters State returns home to 'Z' Buda Gymnasium Saturday for a TCCAA match up with Volunteer State at 4 p.m.