Valiant Clayton State effort comes up short in 67-63 women’s defeat to USC-Aiken
Phillips scores 18 points as seventh-ranked Lakers drop Peach Belt Conference opener

MORROW, Ga. - November 24, 2007 – There was no quit by the Clayton State Laker women’s basketball team in its Peach Belt Conference opener against visiting USC-Aiken on Saturday. But a 25-point halftime deficit was a lot to overcome, and the Lakers came up short, dropping a 67-63 defeat at the Athletics and Fitness Center.

The defeat is the first on the season for the seventh-ranked Lakers (3-1, 0-1 PBC).

USC-Aiken could do no wrong in the first half, shooting an impressive 54 percent from the field and out-rebounding Clayton State 24-13.

Leading 16-11, the Pacers went on a whopping 21-1 run over a seven-minute span. That included a 20-0 run over five minutes as USC-Aiken took control of the first half. Morgan Johnson and Jordon Thomas each scored two lay-ups in the paint, and a 3-point play by Megan Starnes gave the Pacers a commanding 36-11 lead with 3:17 remaining.

Getting into its patented full-court pressure defense, Clayton State made its move in the second half. Lisa Jackson and Dominique Jennings both converted lay-ups, slicing the USC-Aiken to 47-36 with 10:09 remaining. The Pacers increased the lead back to 17 points briefly, but again, the Lakers came storming back.

Two straight lay-ups by Shantel Ragin trimmed the Pacer lead to seven points, and a jump shot by Shanrika Hardeman brought Clayton State to within six points, 51-45 with 7:13 remaining.

After USC-Aiken went back up by 12 points, Clayton State again responded. This time, the Lakers went on an 11-3 run as Marie St. Fort drained two 3-point baskets. A lay-up by Roberta Phillips brought Clayton State to within two points, 63-61 with 27 seconds remaining.

However, Avonte Williams and Meredith Legg each hit two free throws to seal it for the Pacers in the waning seconds.

Phillips scored 18 points for Clayton State on four 3-point baskets, followed by St. Fort with 12 points on three 3-point baskets. Hardeman added 10 points and five rebounds off the bench for the Lakers.

For USC-Aiken (2-0, 1-0 PBC), Johnson recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Starnes scored 16 points. Thomas added 10 points off the bench.

Clayton State hits the road on Wednesday for a key Peach Belt Conference showdown at rival Georgia College. Tip-Off is slated for 5:30 p.m.