Hamilton Scores 30, Registers Double-Double, but Spartan Men Fall to St. Cloud, 81-79

The M State Men's Basketball team found themselves down by six points at halftime Wednesday night, trailing 41-35.  The second half was a back-and-forth battle with M State outscoring St. Cloud 44-40, but coming up two points short in an 81-79 loss on their home floor.  The loss leaves the Spartans and the Cyclones tied in the MCAC South with 2-3 conference records.

Malachi Gant led the Cyclones in scoring with 27 points and R'Moni Warner just missed a double-double with 16 points and 9 rebounds, to go along with a team high 4 assists.  Carter Jackson also reached double figures with 12 points, and Ka'Jon Jordan added 9 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.  St. Cloud shot 45% (31-69) from the field.

James Hamilton led all scorers with 30 points and completed his double-double by securing 10 rebounds to lead the Spartans.  Mach Mayen finished with 22 points, 5 boards and 4 assists, and Braylon Baldwin scored 14 points, snared 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.

M State (12-8, 2-3 MCAC South) will host Minnesota West at 3:00pm Saturday.