MORROW, Ga. -- Miles split two games against Peach Belt Conference teams this weekend, dropping a contest to Columbus State on Friday before taking the nightcap against host Clayton State on Saturday during the Clayton State Classic at The Loch. Dorion Staples averaged 15 points and six rebounds and Corey Trotter nearly averaged a double-double (10.5 points, nine rebounds) in two competitive contests.

Columbus State 67, Miles 53
The score was tied at 21 midway through the opening half before a 16-3 run by the Cougars put Miles in a hole. The Golden Bears trailed 41-31 at the half and continued to battle in the second half but never got closer than seven points the rest of the way. A bucket by Trotter cut the deficit to 56-47 with 13:12 remaining but Miles would get no closer. The Golden Bears struggled shooting the ball, making just 37 percent of its shots from the field, including a 6-of-22 effort on 3-pointers.

Trotter (11 points, 10 rebounds), Staples (nine points, seven rebounds) and Alvin Miles (eight points, four assists, three steals) led the way for the Golden Bears.

Miles 73, Clayton State 63
The Golden Bears opened up a double-digit lead in the first half and continued to dominate throughout in gaining their first road victory of the season. Miles held a three point lead before breaking the game open with a 12-0 run. Trotter scored the first five points, Rylen Walker drained a 3-pointer and Staples closed it out with an offensive putback for a 25-10 advantage with 9:30 remaining in the opening half. Clayton State cut its deficit to 10 but 3-balls from Miles and Chase Ballard (nine points, five rebounds, three assists) accompanied buckets from Walker (five points, four rebounds) and Staples to push the lead to 17 points. Miles would hold that same lead, 39-22, at the half.

The Miles lead hit 20 points for the first time when Najashi Tolefree converted two free throws less than five minutes into the second half. A 3-pointer by Elijah Horton (six points) - one of seven made by Miles - had the lead as large as 24 points (54-30) with 13 minutes to go. After getting the lead, Miles did a good job taking what Clayton State gave it, shooting almost 54 percent from the field in the second half. Staples had 21 points, Miles had 13 points, and Trotter finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals for Miles.

UP NEXT: The Golden Bears host Rust on Tuesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.