Laker women escape determined West Georgia with
48-45 victory
Jackson scores 16 points as 20th-ranked Clayton State improves to 10-1 overall

MORROW, Ga. — DECEMBER 31, 2006 — If there’s a team that’s traditionally given the Clayton State Laker women’s basketball team fits, it’s in-state rival West Georgia. That was true again on Sunday afternoon.

The Lakers turned in arguably their worst offensive output of the season against the visiting Wolves. However, Clayton State held on for a thrilling 48-45 victory in the Heritage Bank Holiday Classic at the Athletics and Fitness Center. Clayton State, ranked 20th in the nation in Division II, improves to 10-1 overall on the season with the completion of its non-conference schedule.

The Lakers held a 13-point lead, 31-18 at halftime, but went into an offensive funk in the second half. Clayton State shot only 19 percent (5-for-27) from the field in the second half, including only 1-for-7 from 3-point range.

West Georgia, no doubt inspired after head coach Craig Rhoden was ejected with two technical fouls late in the first half, opened the second half on an 11-2 run with a methodical offensive rhythm and solid defense against the bigger, more athletic Lakers.

Kandyes Jimcoily’s jump shot with 14:41 remaining pulled the Wolves to within four points, 33-29.

Clayton State gained some breathing room as Marie St. Fort’s 3-point basket at the 11:04 mark increased the Laker lead to 39-31. But back came West Georgia on a 10-1 run as Kristen Murdock drained a 3-point basket, and two free throws by Alexis Pace gave the Wolves a 41-40 lead with 7:33 remaining.

However, Clayton State reclaimed the lead for good on its ensuing possession as Lynette Jackson converted a lay-up off a trigger pass. The Lakers increased the lead to as much as four points in the final two minutes, but West Georgia cut the lead to two points, 47-45 on Rita Grayson’s jumper with 1:40 remaining.

After the Lakers missed a shot, West Georgia had the chance to tie the game with 1:24 remaining. But Rachelle Washington missed the front end of a 1-and-1. However, Clayton State gave the Wolves new life, only to force a West Georgia turnover on a shot clock violation with 32 seconds remaining.

Clayton State had a chance to ice it with 18 seconds remaining. However, St. Fort converted only one of her two free throws. With a chance to tie and send the game into overtime, West Georgia missed two 3-point opportunities as time expired.

Jackson was dominating in the paint with 16 points for Clayton State, while St. Fort and Crystal Brown each scored 10 points. Shantel Ragin grabbed 11 rebounds for the Lakers. Clayton State prevailed despite shooting only 32 percent from the field, including only 10 percent (1-for-10) from 3-point range.

Jimcoily paced West Georgia (8-7) with 10 points, followed by Grayson with eight points.

Clayton State opens Peach Belt Conference play on Wednesday, traveling to Georgia Southwestern for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.