ST. AUGUSTINE – Chris Metzger had a career-night with 15 points and 16 rebounds to help lead Flagler College to a 71-69 win over Clayton State University in a mutual Peach Belt Conference men's basketball opener Saturday afternoon at Flagler Gymnasium.

Metzger's previous career-highs in points and rebounds were six points earlier this year vs. Paine College (Nov. 13) and seven rebounds, which he had done twice.

Flagler remains undefeated at home (3-0) and raised its overall record to 4-2. Clayton State lost its second game in a row and fell to 2-3.

"I was proud of our team's resilience and togetherness tonight," said head coach Chad Warner. "A lot of players stepped up to beat a very good and well coached Clayton State team. We look forward to getting back to work and trying to get better each day."

The Saints took a 38-30 lead into the half, but the Lakers would rally and hold a lead as large as eight (49-41) with 12:32 left to go in the game.

Flagler would answer with a 14-3 run, with Metzger accounting for eight points, to take a 55-52 lead. In fact, it was Metzger layup that capped the run. The Saints would not trail the rest of the game.

Vaughn McCall made the second of two free throws to give Flagler a 70-65 lead with 41 seconds left.

Aubrey McRae sank a 3-pointer and was fouled on the play. He sank the free throw to pull the Lakers to within one point (70-69).

After a Flagler timeout, McCall's driving layup was blocked, but McRae's layup at the other end was no good and Metzger grabbed the rebound with three seconds left. He was fouled immediately and was able to sink one-of-two free throws.

Clayton State called a timeout to try and set up a last shot. The in-bounds pass was bobbled and the Lakers could never get a final shot off.

McCall finished with a game-high 20 points for the Saints. Damerit Brown added 10 points.    

JeCarl Owens led Clayton State with 18 points and eight rebounds. Jaylen Taylor added 17 points and seven rebounds. McRae finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.

Clayton State forced 21 Flagler turnovers and converted those into 22 points. The Lakers only shot 36.8 percent (25-68) from the field and was held to 27.8 percent (5-18) from 3-point range.

Flagler plays its last non-conference game on Wednesday (Dec. 5) at Paine College at 7 p.m.


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