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Clayton State falls to Francis Marion 59-47 in
first round of PBC Tournament Tues. 

Game Stats
Columbus, GA, --- March 4, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team’s season came to an end Tuesday in the first round Peach Belt Conference Championships, falling to Francis Marion University 59-47 at the Lumpkin Center on the campus of Columbus State University. 

FMU, the fifth seed from the North Division, improved to 11-17 overall and will next face the north’s top seed, Augusta State University, in Thursday’s quarterfinal round at 5 p.m. 

Clayton State, the fourth seed from the South, concluded its season at 16-11. The Lakers recorded a school record 10 Peach Belt victories this season and had the second most wins in school history. 

Trailing 25-24 at halftime, Clayton State center Catreia Shaw scored the opening basket of the second half and drew a foul to put the Lady Lakers ahead 27-25. Clayton never led again as consecutive three-pointers by Michelle Ghere capped a 13-3 run by FMU to put the Lady Patriots on top 38-30 with 12:39 remaining. 

The Patriots outscored the Lakers 19-9 in the first 11 minutes of the second half to take control of the game. The second of two free throws by Jontell Johnson with 9:12 remaining gave FMU a 44-33 lead. 

Clayton State made one last run and cut the deficit to three points, 47-44, on a three-point play by Ashley Howell with 3:40 remaining in the game but could come no closer. FMU outscored the Lakers 12-4 down the stretch to seal the victory. 

For Francis Marion, Ghere had a career-high 20 points and Jontell Johnson scored 16 while tying a career-best with 16 rebounds to lead the Patriots. 

Howell led Clayton State with 14 points as the Lady Lakers shot just 16 percent in the second half and 27 percent for the game. FMU didn’t shoot much better, finishing the game with a 29 percent field goal percentage, but capitalized on 25 Clayton turnovers with 14 steals.

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Francis Marion coach Valecia Tedder: 

“Neither team shot very well. We didn’t shoot very well, but we had a lot of second opportunities (16 offensive rebounds). I think that our defense definitely stepped it up today. We created 25 turnovers. Our offense just didn’t click."

About Clayton State’s Catreia Shaw in foul trouble

“That was probably more of a lift for us emotionally than anything. She stayed in foul trouble the whole game. It allowed us more opportunities inside. We had the same game plan tonight (as last week) to double-team Shaw. It always helps you when you don’t have to do that.”

Francis Marion’s Jontell Johnson:

“It was a big change when Shaw left the game. I like to take it to the basket and without her in there that was a big impact for us.  When (Clayton State) got frustrated we had to step forward and play off their frustration and take it to them.”

Francis Marion’s Michelle Ghere:

On making 7-of-8 key free throws: “Taking them didn’t bother me at all.  I knew I could step up to the line and make them.”

Clayton College & State University Coach A.C. McCullers:

“I thought for the most part when (Shaw) got in foul trouble we had to change things around.”

 “Francis Marion played extremely well.  They just beat us. We didn’t shoot the ball well (14-of-52) and you can’t win many ball games shooting like that.”

Clayton State’s Catreia Shaw:

“It’s very disappointing to end my career so early with this game. I know I’m a better basketball player than this.”

Clayton State falls to Francis Marion 76-62; to face Patriots again in the 1^st round of Peach Belt Tournament on Tues.  

Game Stats
FLORENCE, SC --- March 1, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team got off to slow start and was never able to catch up Saturday, falling 76-62 to Peach Belt Conference opponent Francis Marion at the Smith University Center on the campus of Francis in Florence, SC. 

Francis Marion jumped out to a 10-point lead 14-4 on a basket by Marta Losonczy at the 11:27 mark, capitalizing on seven turnovers in the first seven minutes of the game by Clayton State. The Lakers, however, battled back into the game, cutting the deficit to five points, 17-12, at the 7:30 mark on the second of two free throws by senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA).  

The Patriots answered and re-extended their lead in the final seven minutes of the half to double digits. FMU led by 13 points, 35-22, at intermission on a basket by Joanna Tincher with 26 seconds remaining in the half. 

In the second half, Francis Marion outscored the Lakers 32-17 in the first 12 minutes of the second half to seal the victory. The Patriots took their largest lead of the game of 29 points, 67-39, at the 7:42 mark on a basket by Danielle Moore. The Lakers outscored Francis Marion 13-0 over the final two minutes cut the deficit to 14 points but could come no closer. 

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 16-10 overall and 10-9 in the Peach Belt Conference, while Francis Marion improves to 10-17 and 5-14 in the league. The Lakers will return to action on Tuesday at 5 p.m., playing in the first round Peach Belt Conference Tournament in Columbus, GA. The Lakers will face Francis Marion again as the Lakers enter the tournament as the fourth seed from the South and the Patriots enter the event as fifth seed from the North. 

Shaw led the Lakers with 17 points and seven rebounds, followed Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA) with 12 points and six boards. Sophomore April Taylor (Memphis, TN) finished with 10 points, six rebounds and three assists, while freshman Ashley Howell (Gadsden, AL) chipped in nine points. 

For the Patriots, Jontell Johnson led a balanced Francis Marion attack with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Courtney Etheredge finished with 14 points, followed by Michelle Ghere with 12 points and six rebounds. Moore and Losonczy each finished with 10 points. 

Clayton State struggled shooting from floor, hitting only 33 percent (17-of-54) from the field, while FMU shot 48 percent (28-of-58) from the floor. FMU won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Lakers 40-29 and committed 21 turnovers compared to 22 for Clayton State.  

####CCSU####

 Laker women blast Lander 80-54 on
‘Senior Night’ at Clayton State Wednesday 

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- February 26, 2003 --- Clayton College & State University senior Catreia Shaw played her final game in front of the home crowd Wednesday and gave Clayton State hoop fans plenty to cheer about at the Athletics & Fitness in Morrow, GA. 

Shaw, the team’s lone senior from Pearson, GA, scored 29 points and pulled 11 rebounds as the Lakers defeated Peach Belt Conference opponent Lander 80-54 on “Senior Day” at Clayton State. The “double-double” for Shaw was her 15^th of the season.  

With the win, the Lakers improve to 16-9 overall and 10-8 in the Peach Belt Conference, while Lander falls 12-14 overall and 6-12 in the league. Clayton State will return to the floor on Saturday, traveling to face Francis Marion in its regular season finale in a 2 p.m. game. The Lakers will play in the first round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament on Tuesday, March 4^th  in Columbus, GA.  

In Wednesday’s game, Clayton State took control of the contest in final minutes six minutes of the first half, outscoring the Senators 18-3 over the stretch. Freshman Rhonda Bass (Cleveland, GA) drained a three-pointer as the half came to a close to give the Lakers a 17-point lead, 41-24 at intermission.  

In the second half, the Lakers pushed their lead to 20 points, 59-39, at the 8:46 mark on a basket by freshman Ashley Howell (Gadsden, AL). Clayton State extended its lead to a game-high 28 points at the 2:24 mark on the second of two free throws by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) with 2:59 remaining.  

Behind Shaw’s effort, Brown also finished with a monster game with 17 points and a career high 18 rebounds. Junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) finished with 14 points, four assists and four steals.  

For Lander, Tamkia Lomax finished with 12 points, while Jennifer Beamon, Meredith Crabtree and Samantha Clymer all had nine points.  

The Laker defense was once shined, holding Lander to 29 percent (18-of-63) shooting from the field, while Clayton State shot 44 percent (32-of-73) from the floor. Clayton State controlled the boards, outrebounding Lander 63-31 but did commit 28 turnovers compared to 23 for the Senators.  

Clayton State women down Spelman 71-55; to host Lander Wednesday for ‘Senior Night’ 

Game Stats
Atlanta, GA --- February 24, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team snapped a three-game losing streak in convincing fashion Monday, downing Spelman College 71-55 at the Jaguars’ Reed Hall in Atlanta. 

With the win, the Lakers improve to 15-9 on the season, while Spelman falls to 1-24. The Lakers will return to Peach Belt Conference action on Wednesday, hosting Lander University in a 5:30 p.m. game. The game will be the home finale and “Senior Night” for the team’s lone senior in Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA). 

In Monday’s game, the Lakers took control of the game in the first half, taking 37-19 lead at halftime. Outscoring the Lakers 36-34, the Jaguars battled back in the second half and cut the deficit to single digits before Clayton State answered and regained control down stretch for the 16-point victory. 

Shaw led four Lakers in double digits with 24 points and 15 rebounds. The “double-double” was her 14^th of the season. Sophomore April Taylor (Memphis, TN) and sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) each finished with 11 points and 12 boards. 

Junior Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA) finished with 10 points, while junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) added nine points and 10 rebounds. 

For Spelman, Shade Akanbi scored 14 points, followed by Danielle Nellis with 13 points and 10 boards. Monique Forrest chipped in 12 points in a losing effort. 

###CCSU###

Clayton State women fall to UNF 71-60; to travel to face Spelman on Monday 

Game Stats
Jacksonville, FL --- A 19-4 run over the final five minutes of the first half proved to be difference Saturday as the University of North Florida won an important Peach Belt Conference South Division match-up Saturday 71-60 at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville, FL. 

With the game tied at 20 apiece, a three-pointer by Leigh Gaudy at the 4:55 mark ignited the run. Gaudy, who scored 18 points, including four three-pointers in the first half, went on to drain another three-pointer and hit two free throws in the game-deciding run. 

Clayton State outscored the Ospreys 35-32 in the second half and after trailing by more than 20 points in the second half made a late run to cut the deficit to single digits, 58-49, on a basket by freshman Ashley Howell (Gadsden, AL) with 4:15 remaining. But that was close the Lakers would come as UNF outscored Clayton State 7-0 over the next two minutes to seal the victory. 

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 14-9 overall and 9-8 in the Peach Belt Conference, while North Florida improves to 15-10 overall and 10-7 in the league. The win by North Florida broke a tie for third place in the PBC South Division between the Lakers and the Ospreys. Clayton State will return to action on Monday, traveling to face Spelman in a 6:30 p.m. game. 

One bright spot in the loss was the play of Howell. In only the third start of her young career, she responded with 24 points, hitting 8-of-11 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 from three-point territory and 6-of-10 from the free throw line to go along with three steals. 

After UNF got off to fast start and led 7-2 in the first three minutes of the game, Clayton State answered with a run of its own. A sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) layup with 13:53 remaining capped a 12-0 run and gave the Lakers a 14-7 lead. 

The Ospreys came right back, however, and retook the lead 18-16 on the second of two free throws by Skye Barber. A Howell layup, followed by free throws by Gaudy and two free throws by the Lakers’ Shaw set the stage for UNF’s decisive 19-4 run at the end of the first half. 

Behind Howell’s career high night, Shaw finished with 10 points and eight rebounds, followed by Brown eight points and nine rebounds. 

For UNF, Gaudy finished 21 points, hitting 5-of-9 from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point land and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. Barber finished with 14 points and eight rebounds, followed by Perry with 10 points. 

Clayton State shot a sparkling 48 percent from the field (20-of-42) from the field and 44 percent (4-of-9) from three-point territory only to struggle from the free throw line, hitting only 16-of-28 for 57 percent. 

The Clayton State defense once again shined, holding the Ospreys to only 34 percent (21-of-62) from the field, but the offense had trouble handling the ball, committing 23 turnovers. The Lakers were also outrebounded 39-37 in the game. 

###CCSU###

Clayton State women fall to USCS in final seconds 61-60; to face PBC foe North Florida on Sat. 

Game Stats
Spartanburg, SC --- The University of South Carolina Spartanburg’s Shannon Pallardy drained a three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining in the game to lift the Lady Rifles to a 61-60 Peach Belt Conference victory over Clayton College & State University at the G.B. Hodge Center in Spartanburg, S.C. 

After Palladry’s basket, the Lakers had an opportunity to win the game, but a junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) shot rolled off the back of the rim in the final seconds. 

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 14-8 overall and 9-7 in the PBC, while USC Spartanburg improves to 11-13 and 5-11 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, traveling to face the University of North Florida in a 2 p.m. contest. 

In Wednesday’s game, the Lakers led almost the entire second half. Clayton State took its largest lead of the game of six points, 36-30, at the 18:19 mark on a basket by senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA). 

USCS kept it close though and pulled within one-point, 40-39, at the 15:35 mark on a basket by Kia Manuel. Clayton State pushed its lead back to five points three minutes later on a three-pointer by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) with 12:27 remaining. 

After both teams swapped baskets over the next three minutes, Clayton State maintained its five-point lead, 52-47, on a basket Cynthia Conseil (Fort de France, Martinique) with 9:21 remaining. 

USCS cut the deficit to one-point, 52-51, with 8:01 remaining on a basket by Stephanie Feyes and the contest remained close for the remainder of the game. The Lady Rifles took their first lead of the second half, 57-56, with 3:13 remaining on a basket by Kia Manuel. 

After a basket by junior Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA) reclaimed the lead for the Lakers, a free throw by Manuel tied the score at 58 apiece with 2:18 remaining. A basket by sophomore April Taylor (Memphis, TN) gave the Lakers a two-point lead, 60-58, with 1:48 remaining, setting the stage for Palladry’s heroics. 

In the first half, the Lakers jumped out to an early lead and led by 10 points, 19-9, at the 10:38 mark on basket by Shaw. USCS answered, however over the next five minutes and took the lead 23-22 on a three-pointer by Palladry, capping a 14-3 run by the Lady Rifles. 

Clayton State reclaimed the lead on basket by Taylor at the 5:02 mark and after an exchange of baskets over the next several minutes, the Lakers led 32-30 at intermission on basket by Taylor with 1:13 remaining. 

Shaw led the Lakers with 20 points and 12 rebounds, followed by Brown with nine points and eight rebounds. Rutledge also chipped in nine points. 

For USCS, Manuel led the attack with 24 points and 11 boards, followed by Feyes with 10 points. 

Clayton State shot 39 percent (22-of-57) from the field, while USCS shot 36 percent (21-of-59). Neither team shot well from the free three line as the Lakers hit 61 percent (14-of-23), while the Rifles hit only 52 percent (12-of-23).

 The Lakers won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Rifles 45-41 but did commit 16 turnovers compared to 14 for USCS.

###CCSU###

 Clayton State upset bid over the 25^th ranked Armstrong State women falls short in second half 

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- Leading 44-33 early in the second half, the Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team could not hold in the second half its upset bid over 25^th ranked Armstrong Atlantic State University, falling 82-73 at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA. 

The Lakers took an 11-point lead, 44-33, early in the second half on the second of two free throws by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) only to have the Pirates go on a 19-8 run over the next eight minutes to get back into the game. 

A three-pointer by Vandy Noldon tied the game at 52 apiece with 10:43 remaining. After both teams exchanged baskets for the next two minutes, AASU took control of the contest, going on another run, this time outscoring the Lakers 19-6 over a five-minute stretch. 

AASU’s Shanetra Hodge gave the Pirates a 13-point, 75-62, lead with 2:53 remaining. Clayton State cut the deficit to seven points, 78-71, with 41 seconds remaining on a basket by junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) but could come no closer. 

With the loss, the Lakers drop to 14-7 overall and 9-6 in the Peach Belt Conference, while Armstrong State improves to 20-3 overall and 13-2 in the league, one game back of conference leader Columbus State. Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, traveling to face USC Spartanburg in a 5:30 p.m. game. 

In Saturday’s first half, the Lakers jumped out to quick start and led 15-1 in the first five minutes of the game. A three-pointer by senior Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA) gave the Lakers a 14-point lead with 14:37 remaining in the half. Sophomore April Taylor (Memphis, TN) supplied the offense in the early run, scoring 10 of her 19 points in the half. 

AASU answered, however, and cut the deficit to five points, 19-14, at the 10:56 mark on three-point play by Hodge. Clayton State pushed its lead back to 11 points, 25-14, at the 8:43 mark on a basket by Brown and led by nine points, 42-33, at halftime. 

Taylor led Clayton State, scoring a career high 21 points, while pulling nine boards, followed by Brown with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Puckett added 18 points eight rebounds and five assists.

For Armstrong State, Noldon finished with 21 points, followed by Hodge with 19 points and Tasha Washington with 14 points. The Lakers held PBC leading scorer Tishay Lewis to six points. 

            Clayton State, the conference’s top-ranked defense, held Armstrong State, the conference’s top-ranked offense, to 37 percent (25-of-67) shooting from the floor, but the Lakers struggled against AASU’s pressure defense, committing 25 turnovers. 

AASU also capitalized at the free throw line, hitting 21-of-30 from the free throw line, while the Lakers shot only nine free throws, hitting eight. The Lakers shot 44 percent (31-of-71) from the field and outrebounded the Pirates 46-37. 

###CCSU###

Clayton State powers past GC&SU 60-51 Wed.; to host PBC opponent Armstrong State on Saturday 

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- A 12-2 run over a six-minute stretch late in the second half was the difference Wednesday as the Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team defeated Peach Belt Conference rival Georgia College & State University 60-51 at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

 Trailing most of the game, senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA) ignited the game-deciding run to tie the score at 40 apiece with 10:38. The run culminated six minutes later as the Lakers led 52-42, the first double-digit lead of the game, on a basket by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA), with 4:28 remaining.

 GC&SU cut the deficit to seven points on three different occasions in the final three minutes only to have the Lakers answer on their ensuing possession. Sophomore April Taylor (Memphis, TN) scored six points in the final two minutes to secure the victory for the squad.  

 Clayton State, which ranks second in the country in field goal percentage defense, once again excelled on the defensive end of the floor, holding the Bobcats to 32 percent shooting (16-of-50) from the floor, including only 24 percent (7-of-29) in the second half.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 14-6 on the season and 9-5 in the Peach Belt Conference, while GC&SU drops to 11-11 overall and 5-9 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, hosting Peach Belt Conference opponent Armstrong Atlantic State University in a 5:30 p.m. game. AASU currently sits in second place in the PBC South Division ahead of third place Clayton State.

 In the first half, the Lady Bobcats stormed out to an eight-point lead, 16-8, with nine minutes only to have the Lakers close the half on a run. Junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) tied the score at 24 apiece at intermission on a basket in the final seconds of the half.

 Shaw and Brown led the Lakers in the win as both posted “double-doubles”. Shaw had 15 points and 11 boards, while Brown had 12 points and a career-high 16 boards to go along with three steals.

 Puckett finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists, while Taylor chipped in 11 points.

 For GC&SU, Dalana Watson finished with 13 points and seven boards, followed by Andrea Lee with nine.

 The Lakers shot 38 percent (23-of-60) from the floor and won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Bobcats 48-31. GC&SU also committed 21 turnovers compared to only 20 for Clayton State.

  ##CCSU## 

 Clayton State women bounce back with 71-57 win over Francis Marion Saturday

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team rebounded from a two-game skid Saturday in convincing fashion, crushing Peach Belt Conference opponent Francis Marion 71-57 at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

After trailing during most of the first eleven minutes of the game, the Lakers took a lead at 18-16 with 8:45 remaining in the first half on a basket by senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA). 

The Lakers then reeled off 15 points over the last eight minutes of the half, outscoring the Patriots 19-5 over the last ten minutes to take control of the game. FMU’s Rnesha Baldwin drained a three-pointer to close out the half and cut into the 33-24 Laker lead at intermission. 

 In the second half, the Lakers held their ground and increased their lead to double digits early in the period. Clayton State led by 14 points, 59-45, on the second of two free throws by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA).

After FMU cut the deficit to single digits three minutes later, the Lakers re-extended their lead to double-digits 63-53 on a basket by junior Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA) with 3:01 remaining. Clayton State led by double-digits for the remainder of the game.

“I’m happy to get back on the winning track tonight after struggling a little bit in our last couple of games,” said head coach A.C. McCullers. “We shot the ball much better tonight. However, it won’t get any easier on Wednesday. Georgia College beat us down there on a last second shot and is a well-coached and talented team.”

With the win, the Lakers improve to 13-6 on the year and 8-5 in the Peach Belt. The loss drops the Patriots to 8-13 on the year and 3-10 in the conference.   

Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday and will try to avenge a 52-50 heartbreaking loss to Peach Belt Conference opponent Georgia College & State University earlier this season.  The Lakers will host the Lady Bobcats at the Athletics & Fitness Center in 5:30 p.m. game.

Featuring a well-balanced attack, four Lakers were in double digits in points. Junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) led the attack with 16 points while adding six assists and six steals.

 Sophomore scored 15 points and added seven rebounds, while junior Rutledge chipped in 14 points as she dished out eight assists and hit two three-pointers. Shaw scored 11 points, while pulling down eight rebounds.

Sophomore Jennifer Howard’s four three-pointers topped the Patriots with 13 points. Sophomore Michelle Ghere led the Patriots on the boards with nine rebounds.

 Clayton State held Francis Marion to 39 percent (22-of-56) shooting from the field, while the Lakers shot 48 percent (28-of-58). CCSU won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Patriots 37-32 and committed only 11 turnovers compared to 18 for FMU.     

####CCSU####

Game Stats
Columbus, GA---The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team got off to slow start and was never able to catch up Wednesday, falling 66-56 to Peach Belt Conference leader and 19^th ranked Columbus at the Lumpkin Center in Columbus, GA.

 Columbus State jumped out to a 15-0 lead in the first six minutes of the game thanks to seven Clayton State turnovers in the span. The Lakers, however, battled back into the game in the last 14 minutes of the half, outscoring the Cougars 24-15. Clayton State cut the deficit to six points, 25-19, at the 4:50 mark on a basket by junior Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA).

 Clayton State also trailed by only six points at halftime, 30-24, with senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA), hitting a basket with 1:26 remaining. Shaw keyed the Clayton State comeback attempt as she scored 13 points and pulled eight rebounds in the 14-minute stretch.

 In the second half, the Lakers cut the deficit to four points at the 17:57 mark on a basket by Shaw and also to four points, 40-36, later in the half on the second of two free throws by freshman Rhonda Bass (Cleveland, GA) with 13:00 remaining.

 However, the Lakers were unable to get any closer, as the Cougars went on a 15-6 run in a four-minute span to take control of the game. Columbus State took a 64-50 lead with 2:52 remaining on two free throws by senior Candace Turner. Clayton State came back to score six quick points and trailed by eight points, 64-56, on a layup by Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) with 2:17, but Columbus’ Erin Gibbs hit two free throws with 1:24 remaining to seal the victory.

 With the loss, the Lakers fall to 12-6 and 7-5 in the Peach Belt, while Columbus State wins its 14^th game in a row to improve to 19-1 overall and 11-1 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, hosting Francis Marion University in a 2 p.m. contest.

 Shaw led the Lakers with a game-high 21 points and nine rebounds, followed by Rutledge with eight points.

 For Columbus State Lucia Heston led a balanced attack with 16 points, followed by Courtney Favors with 15 points. Turner finished with 11 points, while Denise Stubbs added 10 points. Favors and Turner each had six rebounds, while Turner had a game-high five assists and six steals.

 Clayton State shot 35 percent (18-of-51) from the field, while holding Columbus State to 33 percent (20-of-60). Both teams shot well from the free throw line as the Lakers hit 69 percent (20-of-29) from the line, while the Cougars hit 87 percent (20-of-23) from the line.

 Clayton had trouble handling the CSU defensive pressure, committing 26 turnovers, while the Lakers forced the Cougars into 17 turnovers. Both teams finished with 38 rebounds.

 ####CCSU####

Game Stats
Augusta, GA---The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team had a golden opportunity to pick up a Peach Belt Conference road victory Saturday against North Division leader Augusta State University but was unable to hold on in a defensive struggle, falling 43-41 at Christenberry Fieldhouse in Augusta, GA.

 Down by two points with 17 seconds remaining in the game, Clayton State had an opportunity to tie game at 42 apiece as Laker senior Catreia Shaw was fouled on a post move, sending her to the free throw line. But Shaw connected on only 1-of-2 from the line, with her second one rolling off the back of the rim, forcing the Lakers to foul.

 Clayton State immediately fouled Tameika Bridges on the rebound, and she hit 1-of-2 from the line, making the second free throw with seven seconds remaining in the game setting up one last opportunity for the Lakers.

 Without any timeouts, the Lakers had difficulty, inbounding the basketball, and was unable to gain possession after lob pass to midcourt. The final buzzer sounded as both teams scrambled for possession of the ball.

 With the loss, the Lakers drop to 12-5 overall and 7-4 in the Peach Belt, while Augusta improves to 13-5 and 8-3 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, traveling to face Columbus State in a 5:30 p.m. 

In Wednesday’s low scoring affair, it was a tight contest throughout with Augusta State, taking the largest lead of the game in the first half of seven points. The game was tied on 11 different occasions and neither team led by more than four points in the second half.

 Down 21-18 at halftime, Clayton State took its first lead since the opening seconds of the game, going on a 7-0 run in the first three minutes of the period. The Lakers led 25-21 at the 17:23 mark on a basket by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA).

 Augusta State answered the early run, however, and tied the game at 25 apiece at the 16:14 mark on a layup by Shundra Johnson. Both teams swapped baskets for the remainder of the contest with neither squad leading by more than three points. CCSU sophomore April Taylor (Memphis, TN) gave the Lakers a three-point, 30-27, lead with 11:38 remaining.

 The Lakers led 40-38 with 2:14 remaining on two free throws from freshman Ashley Howell (Gadsden, AL), before Augusta re-took the lead on its next two possessions as Ernesia Wideman hit 3-of-4 free throws. Her two free throws with 17 seconds left game gave the Jaguars the lead for good, 42-40.

 For Clayton State, Shaw led the attack with 18 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Apryl Brown with 10 points and five boards. Taylor finished with a game-high 11 rebounds.

 Sabrina Jones led Augusta State with 16 points and five rebounds, followed by Johnson with 10 points and six boards. Arijana Sijercic had a team-high nine boards.

 Neither team shot well from the field as the Lakers finished at 29 percent from the floor (16-of-56) and 56 percent (9-of-16) from the free throw line. ASU shot 28 percent from the field (14-of-50) and 78 percent (14-of-18) from the line.

 Each team finished with 41 rebounds. Clayton State committed 18 turnovers, compared to 20 for the Jaguars.

Game Stats  
Kennesaw, GA--Saddled by foul trouble in the second half and with its top player watching from the sidelines, the Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team needed someone step up if it was to win Wednesday for the first time ever at Kennesaw State University’s Spec Landrum Centre in Kennesaw, GA.

 Sophomore April Taylor did just that for the Lakers.

 Taylor (Memphis, TN) scored 13 second half points and helped lead the Lakers to a 66-60 come from behind victory against the Owls. Taylor hit 4-of-5 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line in the second half. 

“What a great win for our program and for our team tonight,” said head coach A.C. McCullers. “We battled through some adversity for this one. I’m extremely proud of our team. This was only the second time that we’ve ever defeated Kennesaw State and the first time we’ve ever won up there.”

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 12-4 on the season and 7-3 in the Peach Belt Conference, while KSU drops to 11-7 and 5-5 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, traveling to face Augusta State University in a 5:30 p.m. contest.

 The win for the Lakers was only the second time in school history the Clayton State women have defeated KSU. The Lakers defeated KSU 73-58 earlier this season in Morrow.

 Trailing 33-24 at halftime, the Lakers began to make their game-deciding run five-minutes into the half, aided by the play of Taylor. During a two-minute stretch in the half, Taylor scored nine straight points and her basket at the 11:58 mark cut the deficit to 42-40.

 After both teams swapped baskets on several possessions, the Lakers tied the score at 49 apiece with 7:19 remaining on the second of two free throws by Cynthia Conseil (Fort de France, Martinique).

 Clayton State pushed its lead to six points minutes later, thanks to four straight free throws by Taylor. The Lakers led for the remainder of game and by as many as seven points on two different occasions.

 Behind Taylor’s 15 points, leading scorer senior Catriea Shaw (Pearson, GA) managed 14 points and seven boards, despite sitting most the second half due to foul trouble. Sophomore Apryl Brown finished with 11 points and six boards. Junior Nicia Puckett finished with six points, seven rebounds and five assists.

 For KSU, Dominika Miezkowska finished with a game-high 17 points, which included five three-pointers. Tori Carrington and Denisha Ferguson each finished with 14 points, while Ferguson had a game high 10 boards.

 Clayton State shot 43 percent (21-of-49) from the field, while the Owls shot 42 percent (21-of-50). Both teams finished with 34 rebounds, while the Lakers forced the Owls into 17 turnovers compared to only 12 for Clayton State.

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team proved Saturday why its defense ranks third in the nation, flexing its defensive muscles against Peach Belt Conference foe the University of North Carolina Pembroke, en route to a 70-40 victory at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team fell behind early and was never able to catch up Wednesday, falling to in-state Peach Belt Conference rival Columbus State 74-65 at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

Columbus State jumped out to a nine-point, 20-11, lead with 12:01 remaining in the first half on a three-pointer by junior Lucia Heston. The Cougars pushed their lead to 15 points, 30-15 on a three-point play by freshman Erin Gibbs with 6:45 remaining before the Lakers went on an 11-5 run to close the half.

Clayton State cut the deficit to nine points, 35-26, with 19 seconds left in the half on a basket by junior Kate Kauffman. The Cougars went into halftime with the nine-point lead.

In the second half, the Lakers kept the deficit in singles digits for the first nine minutes of play and even cut the lead to only two points before Columbus State re-extended its lead later in the half Clayton State trailed by only two points, 38-36, as freshman Apryl Brown drained a three-pointer with 16:32 remaining.

But that was a close as the Lakers would get as Columbus State went on a 20-9 over the next six minutes and took a 58-45 lead after two free throws from Courtney Favors. Clayton State made one last run and cut the lead to five points, 65-60, at the 2:08 mark but CSU sophomore Angie Parkman answered with a three-pointer to seal the victory.

With the loss, the Lakers drop to 10-4 and 5-3 in the league, while Columbus State improves to 15-1 and 7-1 in the league. Clayton State will return to Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday, hosting the University of North Carolina Pembroke in a 2 p.m. game.

For Clayton State, senior Catreia Shaw led the attack with 19 points and eight rebounds, followed by Brown with 13 points and 14 boards. Junior Nicia Puckett had 10 points, nine rebounds, five assists and seven steals.

Heston led the Cougars with 23 points and five steals, followed by senior Courtney Favors with 13 points, five rebounds and three steals. Gibbs finished with 10 points and four rebounds, followed by senior Candace Turner with 10 points, five assists and seven steals.

Clayton State outshot the Cougars, hitting 42 percent (24-of-57) from the field compared to only 35 percent (23-of-66) for Columbus State. The Lakers had trouble handling the basketball, however, committing 29 turnovers compared to 17 for the Cougars. The Lakers won the battle on the boards, outrebounding CSU 50-38.

###CCSU###

  Clayton State women defeat North Florida 57-47; improve t o 5-2 in Peach Belt Conference play

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- A 9-0 Clayton State run with 5:12 remaining in the game proved to be the difference Saturday as the Laker women’s basketball team went on to defeat the University of North Florida 57-47 at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

 Trailing 41-40 with 5:12 remaining, the Lakers went on a 9-0 run over the next two and half minutes to take control of the game. Clayton State took a 49-41 lead on the second of two free throws by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) with 2:45 remaining.

 North Florida cut the deficit to four points, 51-47, on a three-pointer by Latisha Perry with 1:19 remaining before Clayton State outscored the Ospreys 6-0 in the final minute of the game.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 10-3 on the season and 5-2 in the Peach Belt Conference. North Florida falls to 9-6 overall and 4-3 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, hosting Peach Belt Conference rival Columbus State University in a 5:30 p.m. game.

 “This was a big win for us and our program,” said head coach A.C. McCullers. “North Florida is one of the top teams in the conference. It doesn’t get any easier though. Columbus State will be another tough Peach Belt opponent on Wednesday.”

 Columbus State is 14-1 overall and 6-1 in the Peach Belt and coming off a 71-68 victory over Armstrong Atlantic State University on Saturday.

 The Lakers, who lead the Peach Belt in scoring defense and field goal percentage defense, once flexed their muscles on the defensive end, holding the Ospreys to only 47 points and to 26 percent (17-of-65) shooting from the field.

 Clayton State shot 43 percent (17-of-40) and won the battle on the boards, outrebounding North Florida 45-35. The Lakers did commit 22 turnovers compared to only 10 for the Ospreys.

 For the Lakers, Brown finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, followed by freshman Carlie Anderson (Hokes Bluff, AL) with 13 points. Anderson hit 4-of-5 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range. Catriea Shaw (Pearson, GA) finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds, her ninth “double-double” double of the season.

 Skye Barber led North Florida with 13 points, followed by Mikel Taylor with 10 points.

 ###CCSU###

 Laker women fall in final seconds to PBC South Division rival GC&SU 52-50 Wednesday 

Game Stats
Milledgeville, GA---The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team lost a heartbreaker Wednesday, falling in the final seconds to Peach Belt Conference South Division rival Georgia College & State University at the Centennial Center in Milledgeville.

 Clayton State trailed from the opening tip game but battled back in the second half and tied the contest at 50 apiece with 23 seconds left as senior Catreia Shaw converted two free throws. The game-tying possession was setup by a steal from Nicia Puckett, one of her career high seven in the game.

 However, the Lakers were unable to hold on in the final seconds as Georgia College & State University’s Breane Haggard drained an eight-foot baseline jumper off an inbounds play for the 52-50 win.

  With the loss, the Lakers fall to 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the league, while the Bobcats improve to 9-4 and 4-2 in the conference. Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, hosting the University of North Florida in a 2 p.m. game. 

Clayton State trailed by as many as 12 points with 7:31 remaining in the game before exploding on a 10-0 run over the next three and a half minutes. After a junior Allyson Rutledge three-pointer, followed by an inside shot from Shaw, the Lakers trailed only 46-44 with 4:01 remaining in the game.

 GC&SU pushed its lead back to four points, 49-45, with 2:42 remaining only to have Clayton State answer with a jumper by Rutledge, followed by a steal from Puckett. A free throw from Rutledge pulled the Lakers back within two points in the final two minutes.

 The Lakers trailed 23-17 at halftime after shooting only 23 percent (7-of-31) in the first half.

 Shaw led the Lakers with 18 points and 14 rebounds, followed by Rutledge with 18 points and four boards. Apryl Brown had eight points and 10 rebounds. 

For GC&SU, Dalana Watson had 17 points and nine rebounds, followed by Alicia Ransom with eight points. Larkin Cleveland had six points and a game high nine assists.

 Clayton State shot 32 percent (18-of-57) from the floor in the game and only 13 percent (2-of-16) from three-point territory. GC&SU shot 41 percent (22-of-54) from the field and 29 percent (6-of-21) from three-point land.

 The Lakers won the battle on the boards 39-34 and forced 15 Bobcat turnovers compared to committing only 10. 

Clayton State’s Shaw named Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week

 MORROW, GA --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team is off to its best in school history, racing out to a 9-2 record, and earlier this week, the squad had a player recognized for her superb play in recent games.

 Clayton State center Catreia Shaw was named Monday the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week. In two games last week, she averaged 22 points and 17 rebounds, while shooting 67 percent from the field.

 Shaw led the Lakers to one of the their biggest victories in recent memory on Saturday as the Lakers upset defending Peach Belt Conference champion USC-Aiken 62-61 in overtime. Shaw had a 28 points and a school record 23 rebounds in the game.

“Tree (Catreia) has been a force inside and is playing extremely well,” said head coach A.C. McCullers. “Her play in the paint and her leadership on and off the court has been an integral part in our early season success.”

 For the season, Shaw is averaging 19 points and 13 rebounds per game, while shooting 66 percent from the field. She leads the Peach Belt in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage. Shaw ranks second in NCAA Division II in field goal percentage and ninth and in rebounding.

 Her 23 rebounds against USC-Aiken was a Clayton State single game record, breaking Latrecia Drake’s 20 rebounds in a game in 1992 against Georgia Southwestern. Her 16 defensive rebounds also broke Drake’s defensive rebound record of 15 set in 1992 against GC&SU

 Shaw, a senior from Pearson, GA, has seven “double-doubles” in her first 11 games and has scored in double-digits in all 11 games this season. Along with her 28-point, 23-rebound effort against USCA, she also had a 30-point and 15-rebound game against Brewton-Parker and a 23-point and 18-rebound game against the UNC Pembroke earlier this season.

 Shaw was named the Most Valuable Player of the Heritage Bank Tip-Off Tournament earlier this year and was named PBC Player of the Week in early December. An All-Peach Belt Conference selection last year, she was named PBC Player of the Week once last season and led the squad in scoring and rebounding.

 Clayton State, off to its best school history with nine wins in 11 games, will return to the court on Wednesday, traveling to face Peach Belt Conference rival Georgia College & State University in a 5:30 p.m. game. The Lakers will host PBC foe North Florida in a 2 p.m. game on Saturday.

###CCSU###

Clayton State defeats USCS 66-45;
to face GC&SU on Wednesday 

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- Leading 24-19 at halftime, the Clayton College & State University women’s basketball came out halftime on fire, outscoring the University of South Carolina Spartanburg 21-4, en route to a 66-45 at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

 Clayton State took a 25-point lead, 48-23, with 13:50 remaining in the game on a three-pointer by freshman Ashley Howell. Clayton State cruised for the remainder of the game, leading by at least 16 points for the final 13 minutes.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 9-2 overall and 4-1 in the Peach Belt Conference, while USCS drops to 6-6 and 0-4 in the league. Clayton State will return to the floor on Wednesday, traveling to face Georgia College & State University in a 5:30 p.m. in Milledgeville, GA.

 Clayton State trailed for most the first half before taking the lead for good at the 4:23 mark on a basket by Catriea Shaw. The Lakers led 24-19 at halftime.

 For Clayton State, Shaw led the Lakers with 15 points and seven rebounds, followed by a trio of players with eight points. Allyson Rutledge, Nicia Puckett and Howell all had eight points, while April Taylor led the team with eight rebounds.

 Kia Manuel led the Rifles with 11 points and six rebounds, followed by Stephanie Feyes with 10 points. Yakeeshia Ross had eight points and seven boards.

 Clayton State shot 49 percent (24-of-49) from the field, while holding USCS to 32 percent (17-of-54). The Lakers outrebounded the Rifles 39-30 but committed 18 turnovers compared to 17 for USCS.

 Clayton State upsets USCA 62-61 in OT; Shaw dominates paint with 28 points and 23 rebounds   

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- Clayton College & State University’s Catreia Shaw received a standing ovation for her sparkling performance, singing the national anthem prior to Saturday’s Peach Belt Conference match-up with the University of South Carolina Aiken.

 She followed up that performance with a career night on the hardwood as she scored 28 points and pulled a career high 23 rebounds in the Lakers’ 62-61 overtime victory over the Pacers, last year’s Peach Belt Conference champions.

 Clayton State’s Apryl Brown drained two free throws with 48 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Lakers the two-point 62-61 victory. After some frantic play back-and-forth by both teams in the final 45 seconds, USCA had one final shot for the win, but a three-point attempt by Sarah Kendrick rolled off the rim.

 Down by two points, 56-54 with less than 20 seconds remaining, Nicia Puckett was the hero in regulation as she came up with a steal and raced down the floor for a layup before being fouled. Puckett converted both free throws with 14 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 8-2 on the season and 3-1 in the league, while USCA drops to 11-4 and 2-2 in the Peach Belt. Clayton State entered the game ranked ninth in the NCAA South Atlantic rankings, while the Pacers were ranked sixth. Clayton State will return to the floor on Monday, hosting Peach Belt Conference opponent USC Spartanburg in a 5:30 p.m. contest.

 In Saturday’s game, neither team led by more than nine points in the game. The Pacers raced out to a nine-point lead, 50-41, on the second of two free throws by Erica Larsen with 7:21 remaining in the game.

 Clayton State, however, battled back down the stretch and cut the deficit to two points, 50-48, with 3:38 remaining on a basket by Puckett. Two three-pointers by USCA and a couple of Laker baskets over the next two minutes gave the Pacers a 56-54 lead with 1:16 remaining.

 A steal by Shaw, followed by a layup by Puckett with 41 seconds remaining setup Puckett’s heroics to send the game into overtime.

 Behind Shaw’s 28 points and career high 23 rebounds, Clayton State had a trio of players with nine points. Puckett had nine points, six rebounds and three steals, followed by Apryl Brown with nine points and nine rebounds and April Taylor with nine points.

 For USCA, Jami Cornwell finished with 25 points and seven rebounds, followed by Larsen with nine points.

 Clayton State shot 44 percent  (25-of-57) from the field, while holding the Pacers to 30 percent (19-of-63). The Lakers won the battle on the boards 51-31 but committed 27 turnovers, compared to only 15 for the Pacers.

 ##CCSU##

Clayton State blasts Spelman 73-27 Mon.; to host PBC opponent USC-Aiken on Sat.

Game Stats 
MORROW, GA --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team posted its seventh win of the season in convincing fashion, blasting Spelman College 73-27 Monday at the Athletics & Fitness Center in Morrow, GA.

 The 27 points allowed in the victory is the fewest number of points allowed by a Clayton State team in the program’s 12-season history. Off to one of its best starts in school history, the squad improved to 7-2 on the season, while Spelman fell to 0-10. Clayton State will return to Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday, hosting the University of South Carolina-Aiken in a 5:30 p.m. contest.

 “It was nice to get back on the winning track tonight, heading into a big conference game on Saturday,” said head coach A.C. McCullers. “Aiken will be one of our toughest opponents of the season. They have several players back from last year’s PBC champion squad and are ranked among the top 25 teams in the country.”

 USCA currently has a 10-3 record and is 2-1 in the league. The Pacers are scheduled to play Claflin, a team they fell to in overtime earlier this season, on Tuesday before facing the Lakers on Saturday.

 In Monday’s game, the Lakers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Clayton State took a double-digit lead, 20-9, with 7:35 remaining in the first half on a 3-pointer by freshman Rhonda Bass (Cleveland, GA). The Lakers extended their lead to over 20 points minutes later and led by 26 points, 40-14, at intermission on a basket by senior Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA).

 The Lakers continued their scoring assault in the second half and pushed their lead to 30 points, 44-14, early in the second half on a basket by senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA). Clayton State led by as many as 48 points, 72-24, on a free throw by senior Kate Kauffman (Lilburn, GA) with 2:55 remaining in the game.

 All 12 of Clayton State’s players participated in the contest with 10 players scoring. Shaw led the attack with 16 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Rutledge with 14 points. Junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) finished with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and five steals. Kauffman finished with nine points, while Bass chipped in eight.

 For Spelman, Aaronette McFarlin and Fatima Gaskin each finished with seven points.

 Clayton State shot 40 percent (25-of-63) from the field, while holding the Jaguars to 18 percent (9-of-49). Clayton State also shot 47 percent (7-of-15) from 3-point territory and 73 percent (16-of-22) from the line. Spelman shot 19 percent (3-of-16) from behind the 3-point arc and 50 percent (6-of-12) from the free throw line. The Lakers outrebounded Jaguars 55-31 and forced 25 turnovers compared to 18 for Clayton State. 

 ###CCSU###

Catawba women top Clayton State 59-53 and win Arrowhead Tournament

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- In the Arrowhead Clinic Tournament championship game, the women’s basketball team of Catawba College topped Clayton State 59-53 at the Athletics & Fitness Center on the campus of Clayton College & State University Sunday evening.

 The game was tightly fought throughout as neither team held a double-digit lead. Catawba (6-3) led for the majority of the first half, but Clayton State (6-2) managed to take a two- point lead into intermission at 25-23.

 After Catawba retook the lead in the second half, the Lakers cut the Indians lead to two points with 2:14 remaining, but a basket by junior Danyel Locklear (Pembroke, NC) in the paint with just under two minutes left in regulation brought the lead back to four.

 The Lakers were unable to come back though as they scored just three points after Locklear’s key basket.

 Leading Clayton State was senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA) with a game-high 21 points while pulling down 13 rebounds. The Lakers were also led by junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) who scored nine points, pulled down six rebounds, dished out six assists, and had six steals. Sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) pulled 12 rebounds.

 Sophomore Ashley Cox (Richmond, VA) directed Catawba as she finished with 19 points, hitting all three of her shots from three-point territory. Locklear added 12 points and senior Dorthell Little (Rockingham, NC) tallied nine points and 11 rebounds.

 Receiving all-tournament honors were freshman Cyndey Smith (Albany State), Aaronnette McFarlin (Spelman College), Dorthell Little and Ashley Cox (Catawba College), and Catreia Shaw and Nicia Puckett (Clayton State).   Ashley Cox of Catawba was named the tournament’s MVP (Most Valuable Player).

 With the victory Catawba improves to 6-3 on the year. The loss drops Clayton State to 6-2 on the season.  The Lakers next home game is on Monday January 6 at 6:30 p.m. vs. Spelman at the Athletics & Fitness Center.

###CCSU###

Albany State women defeat Spelman 75-50 in Arrowhead Tournament

Game Stats
 Morrow, GA --- The Golden Rams of Albany State defeated the Jaguars of Spelman 75-50 in the consolation game of the Arrowhead Tournament on the campus of Clayton College & State University Sunday.

 Five minutes into the game Albany State broke an early tie by going on a 28-7 run over a nine-minute stretch, taking a 39-18 lead with 6:24 remaining in the half.  The Golden Rams were able to sustain that lead going into the break as they led 49-28 over the Jaguars at the half.

 Albany State held onto their lead throughout the second half as Spelman was unable to mount a comeback thus securing the Golden Rams third place finish in the Arrowhead Clinic Tournament.

 Directing the Golden Rams were freshman Cyndey Smith (Decatur, GA) with 23 points and junior Pamela Butler (North Augusta, SC) with 19 points.

     Leading the Jaguars were sophomore Danielle Nellis (Nashville, TN) who posted 13 points and nine rebounds. Sophomores Adrianna Nebedum (Muskegon, MI) and Aaronnette McFarlin (East East Point, GA) each finished with nine points.

 Albany State improves to 4-8 on the year and Spelman falls to 0-6 on the season.

   ###CCSU###

Clayton State women defeat Spelman 80-44
in Arrowhead Tournament Saturday

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team defeated Spelman College 80-44 in the first round of the Arrowhead Clinic Women’s basketball Tournament Saturday at the Athletics & Fitness Center on the campus of CCSU.

After a slow start, the Lakers took control midway through the first half, going on a 34-8 run over the last 12 minutes of the half. Clayton State led 44-17 at intermission.

The Lakers also came out strong at the start of the second half and went on a 12-4 run to extend their lead to 58-21 early in the period. Over the last 10 minutes of regulation, the Lakers outscored the Jaguars 20-11, coasting to an 80-44 victory, setting the stage for a championship game against Catawba College (5-3) on Sunday at 4 p.m.

The Lakers featured a balanced attack as 12 players saw action and seven players scored seven points or more. Top scorers were senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA) with 14 points. Sophomore April Taylor (Memphis, TN) added 11 points, while sophomore Apryl Brown and freshman Rhonda Bass (Cleveland, GA) scored 10 points each. Sophomore Cynthia Conseil (Fort de France, Martinique) was the top rebounder with 11 boards.

Senior Monique Forrest (Cheshire, CT) and sophomore Aaronnette McFarlin (East Point, GA) paced the Jaguars with 13 points each.

Clayton State improves to 6-1 on the season, while Spelman falls to 0-5 on the year and will meet Albany State in the consolation game of the tournament on Sunday at 2 p.m.

###CCSU###

Game Stats
Morrow, GA --- The Indians of Catawba College defeated the Rams of Albany State 70-51 in the opening game of the Arrowhead Tournament on the campus of Clayton College & State University Saturday.

Catawba (5-3) jumped out to a 10-point lead on a basket by junior Danyel Locklear (Pembroke, NC) that gave the Braves a 20-10 advantage with 11:51 remaining in the first half. The Indians never looked back as they maintained a double-digit advantage for the majority of the game and the entire second half.

Locklear led the Indians with 24 points, many of them coming in the paint. Senior Dorthell Little (Rockingham, NC) pulled 12 rebounds for Catawba and sophomore Ashley Cox dished out eight assists and had seven steals.

Top scorers for the Rams (3-8) were freshman Cyndey Smith (Decatur, GA) with 17 points and junior Pamela Butler (North Augusta, SC) with 12 points.

Catawba will meet Clayton State in the championship of the Arrowhead Tournament Sunday at 4 p.m., while Albany State will face Spelman College in the consolation game on Sunday at 2 p.m.

###CCSU###

Clayton State women fall to AASU 72-53

 Game Stats
SAVANNAH, GA --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team dropped its first game of the season Saturday, falling to Peach Belt Conference opponent Armstrong Atlantic State University 72-53 in Savannah.

 Trailing by only three points 27-23 at halftime, the Lakers were outscored 45-30 in the second half as the Pirates shot a sizzling 52 percent (15-of-29) in the period.

 With the loss, the Lakers fall to 5-1 and 2-1 in the league, while AASU improves to 4-0 and 1-0 in the conference. The Lakers will return to action after Christmas in the Arrowhead Clinic Tournament, hosting Spelman College in a 4 p.m. game on Saturday, Dec. 28.

In Saturday’s game, the Lakers were led by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) with 15 points and five rebounds, followed by senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA) with 13 points and 15 boards.

 Clayton State struggled shooting the ball, hitting only 32 percent (17-of-53) from the floor, which included 13 percent (2-of-16) from three-point land. The Lakers also shot only 59 percent (17-of-29) from the free throw line.

 For the Pirates, Tishay Lewis led the attack with 19 points and six rebounds. Pam Mayes and Tasha Washington each scored 12 points.

 The Lakers held AASU to only 33 percent (10-of-33) shooting in the first half only to have the Pirates heat up in the second half and finish the game at 40 percent (25-of-62) for the game. The Pirates also shot 38 percent (8-of-21) from the three-point territory.

 Clayton State won the battle on the boards, outrebounding AASU 43-37 but did commit 21 turnovers compared to 19 for the Pirates.

###CCSU###

Clayton State upsets PBC rival Kennesaw State 73-58 in women’s hoops action

Game Stats 
MORROW, GA --- Off to its best start in school history, the Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team won one of its biggest games in school history Wednesday, upsetting Kennesaw State University 73-58 at the Athletics & Fitness Center on the campus of Clayton State.

 The win, the first-ever over metro-Atlanta rival Kennesaw State in 15 attempts gives the Lakers a 5-0 mark to open the season, the best start in school history. The previous best for a Laker squad was in the 1997-98 season when the Lakers opened the year 4-0. KSU entered the contest with an unblemished 4-0 mark and was picked to win the conference this season.

 “This was a great win for our program,” said head coach A.C. McCullers. “We played our best game of the season tonight against a quality opponent in Kennesaw State, who was picked to win the conference this preseason by the coaches.”

 Clayton State took control from the opening tip and ran out to an 11-point lead in the first six minutes of the game. The Lakers took a 15-4 lead at the 14-minute mark on a basket by junior Kate Kauffman (Lilburn, GA). Sophomore April Taylor (Memphis, TN) had six points on a trio of baskets in less than two minutes to ignite the run.

 After both teams swapped baskets for the next several minutes, the Lakers took their largest lead of the half in the closing seconds as freshman Rhonda Bass (Cleveland, GA) drilled a three-pointer to give Clayton State a 38-24 lead at intermission.

 Junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) opened the second half with a three-point play to give the Lakers a 17-point, 41-24, and the Lakers kept rolling from there. Clayton State pushed its lead to a game-high 28 points, 66-38, with 9:07 remaining on a basket by Taylor. The Lakers led by double-digits for the remainder of the game. 

Clayton State had a balanced attack with four players in double-digits, led by Taylor with 15 points. Puckett had one of her finest games as Laker with 12 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and five steals.

 Freshman Carlie Anderson (Hokes Bluff, AL) and senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA) each finished with 11 points. Anderson drilled a trio of three-pointers, while Shaw had nine boards.

 For Kennesaw State, Denisha Ferguson finished with 15 points, followed by Dominika Miezkowska with 10 points.

 Clayton State shot 49 percent (27-of-55) from the field, while holding the Owls to 39 percent (22-of-57). Clayton State also shot 39 percent (5-of-13) from 3-point territory and 70 percent (14-of-20) from the line. KSU shot 33 percent (5-of-15) from behind the 3-point arc and 50 percent (9-of-18) from the free throw line. Each team finished with 37 rebounds and Clayton State forced 19 KSU turnovers compared to committing 15.

 The Lakers (5-0 overall; 2-0 in the PBC) will return to action on Saturday, traveling to face Peach Belt Conference foe Armstrong State University in a 5:30 p.m. game. The next home game for the Lakers will be in the Arrowhead Tournament after Christmas, as the Lakers will host Spelman College in a 4 p.m. game on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Clayton State’s Shaw named Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week

 MORROW, GA --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team is off to its best start in five years, and earlier this week had a player recognized for her superb play in the team’s first four games of 2002-03 campaign.

 Clayton State center Catreia Shaw was named Monday the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week. Through four games this season, Shaw is averaging 21 points and 13 rebounds per game, while shooting 67 percent from the field.

 Shaw, a senior from Pearson, GA, has three “double-doubles” in her first four games, including a 30-point, 15-rebound effort against Brewton-Parker and a 23-point, 18-rebound game against PBC opponent the University of North Carolina Pembroke.

 “Tree (Catreia) has played extremely well this season,” said head coach A.C. McCullers. “Her play inside and her leadership has been an integral part in our early season success.”

 Shaw was named the Most Valuable Player of the Heritage Bank Tip-Off Tournament after scoring 50 points and pulling 25 rebounds in two games. She also had a 26-point, 17-rebound effort against Division I opponent Georgia State University in CCSU’s six-point loss, 70-64, during the exhibition season.

Shaw, an All-Peach Belt Conference selection last year, was named PBC Player of the Week once last season and led the squad in scoring and rebounding.

 Off to their best start since the 1997-98 season, the Lakers are 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the PBC and will face their biggest test of the season on Wednesday, hosting metro-Atlanta rival Kennesaw State University in a 7 p.m. game.

 KSU, picked to win the PBC in a preseason poll of coaches, is also 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the league this season. Clayton State is coming off a 64-48 win over UNCP, while the Owls are coming off a 76-70 win over North Florida.  

 Clayton State women down
PBC opponent UNCP 64-48 Saturday

  Game Stats
PEMBROKE, NC --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team posted its fourth win of the season Saturday, defeating Peach Belt Conference foe the University of North Carolina Pembroke 64-48 at UNCP.

 The Lakers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back behind the strong inside play of senior leading scorer and rebounder Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA). She finished the game with 23 points and 18 rebounds, which included 12 offensive boards. Shaw hit 9-of-16 from the field and 5-of-7 from the free throw line.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 4-0 overall, only the second time in school history the women’s team has opened the season with four straight wins. The win gives Clayton State a 1-0 mark in the PBC, going into its Peach Belt Conference match-up with Kennesaw State. The Lakers will host their metro-Atlanta rival in a 7 p.m. game at the Athletics & Fitness Center on Wednesday, December 4.

 In Saturday’s game, Clayton State led by double-digits almost the entire game, cruising to the 16-point victory after leading 35-23 at halftime.

 Behind Shaw’s third “double-double” of the season, sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) finished with 16 points, hitting 5-of-7 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free throw line to go along with six rebounds. Junior Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA) finished with 12 points.

 The Clayton State defense held the Braves to 35 percent (16-of-46) shooting from the floor, while the Lakers shot 39 percent (24-of-62). CCSU won the battle on the boards, outrebounding UNCP 43-20.

 Katie Marsh led the Braves with 15 points, followed by Margo High with 10 points.

  ###CCSU###

Clayton State downs West Georgia 54-48
Tues.; improves to 3-0 on season

Game Stats
CARROLLTON, GA --- Trailing 25-23 at halftime, the Clayton College & State University women’s basketball went on a 14-1 run to open the second half, en route to a 54-48 victory over non-conference opponent the State University of West Georgia at the HPE Building in Carrollton, GA.

 Clayton State junior Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA) fueled the run in the first seven minutes of the period, scoring two baskets on back-to-back layups off steals. The Lakers took their largest lead of the contest, 37-26, at the 12:45 mark on a basket by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA).

             West Georgia battled back and cut the deficit to four points, 49-43, with four minutes remaining only to have Clayton State go a mini-run with six unanswered points to push its lead back to double digits, 53-43. Senior Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA) had two of baskets along with sophomore April Taylor (Memphis, TN) adding another in the stretch.

             With the win, the Lakers improve to 3-0 on the season and will return to the court on Saturday, November 30^th, traveling to face Peach Belt Conference opponent the University North Carolina Pembroke.

             “I’m happy with the win against a quality opponent in West Georgia,” said head coach A.C. McCullers. “We had several players pick-up the slack after Tree (Catreia Shaw) got into some foul trouble. We showed a lot of poise and battled back in the second half after they made a run on us to end the first half.”

             Saddled by foul trouble, Shaw, the Lakers leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 25 points and 13 rebounds, played only 19 minutes in the game and had to sit 13 minutes in the second half.

             Clayton State had a balanced scoring attack in the contest, led by Puckett with 14 points, followed by Shaw and junior Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA) with 12 points apiece. Brown finished with 11 points.

             Puckett also finished with four steals and four assists, while Shaw led the club with eight rebounds.

             Along with its balanced offensive attack, the Lakers also clamped down on defense in the second half, holding the Braves to only 28 percent (7-of-25) shooting in the final 20 minutes. Clayton State shot 56 percent (14-of-25) in the second half and finished the game at 42 percent (22-of-52).

Heritage Bank Tip-Off Tournament
Game 1 Stats (BPC vs. SHC); Game 2 Stats (CCSU vs. RC)
Consolation Game Stats (SHC vs. RC)

Clayton State wins Heritage BankTip-Off Tournament for second straight season, defeats BPC 82-58 in finals

Game Stats
MORROW, GA --- The Clayton College & State University women’s basketball team posted its second win of the season as well as winning the Heritage Bank Tip-Off Tournament for the second straight year, defeating Brewton-Parker College 82-58 Saturday at CCSU’s Athletics & Fitness Center.

 Trailing 31-30 at halftime, the Lakers stormed back in the game in the second half and took control of the contest in the first 10 minutes, outscoring the Barons 19-8 in the stretch. The Lakers took their first double-digit lead at the 9:59 mark on a three-point basket by junior guard Nicia Puckett (Ellenwood, GA).

 Clayton State continued its strong play over the next three minutes and took a 16-point lead at the 7:36 mark on a basket by junior Kate Kauffman (Lilburn, GA). The Lakers pushed its lead to 20 points at the 6:04 mark on a three-pointer by sophomore Apryl Brown (Lawrenceville, GA) and led by at least 20 points for the remainder of the contest. 

“I’m really proud of how we picked it up in the second half,” said head coach A.C. McCullers. “I thought we were a little flat in the first half, but we picked up the intensity in the second half and played well.”

 The Lakers shot a sizzling 59 percent (17-of-29) in the deciding second half, while holding Brewton-Parker to 29 percent (8-of-28). Clayton State also won the battle on the boards in the second half, outrebounding the Barons 27-10.

 Clayton State was led by Heritage Bank Tournament Most Valuable Player Catreia Shaw (Pearson, GA) as she finished with a career high 30 points and 15 rebounds. Shaw hit 11-of-17 from the field and 8-of-11 from the free throw line.

 Behind Shaw, All-Tournament selection Puckett finished with 14 points, five assists and six steals, while All-Tournament selection Brown had 13 points and 13 rebounds, hitting 5-of-8 from the field.

 Senior Allyson Rutledge (Kennesaw, GA) also finished in double-digits with 12 points to go along with eight assists.

 For the game, Clayton State shot 51 percent (29-of-57) from the floor, while Brewton-Parker shot 36 percent (17-of-47). The Lakers outrebounded the Barons 44-21.

 Ashley Little led Brewton-Parker with 16 points, followed by All-Tournament selection Tameka Oliver with 13 points.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 2-0 on the season, while Brewton-Paker falls to 4-1. Clayton State will return to action on Tuesday, traveling to face in-state rival the State University of West Georgia in at 6 p.m. game.

 The Lakers captured the Heritage Bank Tip-Off Tournament Championship for the second straight as CCSU defeated Brewton-Parker 53-49 in last year’s final.

 ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM