2007-08 Media Guide
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Clayton State women knock off 13th-ranked Wingate
72-69 in home opener
Jennings scores 16 points off the bench as Lakers improve to 3-1

MORROW, Ga. – November 25, 2008 – The Clayton State Laker women’s basketball could not ask for a better situation for its 2008-09 home opener.

In a rematch of last season’s NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional championship, Clayton State stepped up big in the second half, pulling off a thrilling 72-69 victory over 13th-ranked Wingate at the Athletics and Fitness Center. The victory was the third straight for Clayton State, now 3-1overall, and it was the Lakers’ first victory over Wingate in five tries.

For Clayton State to stay close with Wingate in the first half was a testament, considering the Lakers shot only 32 percent from the field and only 1-for-8 (12 percent) from the free throw line. However, Clayton State forced 14 Bulldog turnovers and cut the Wingate lead to six points, 37-31, on a lay-up by Lesheria Stevens with 15 seconds remaining.

Twice, Wingate increased the lead to nine points early in the second half. But Clayton State turned it on, using an 11-2 ruin over two minutes to tie the game for the first time since midway through the second half.

Dominique Jennings connected on a 3-point basket, and then three straight lay-ups by Lisa Jackson tied the game 45-45 with 14:31 remaining.

Wingate stretched the lead twice back to five points, including two free throws by Stefani Shuey to give the Bulldogs a 589-54 lead at the 6:57 mark. However, Clayton State took its first lead since early in the first half with an 8-1 run. Brittany Hall scored twice inside and a jump shot by Lesheria Stevens gave the Lakers a 62-60 lead with 5:36 remaining.

Clayton State extended the lead to three points, but Wingate reclaimed the lead on a 3-point basket by Anna Atkinson and a steal and lay-up by CC Brooks gave the Bulldogs a 69-67 lead at the 3:07 mark.

That, however, was the last points of the night for Wingate as Clayton State held the Bulldogs scoreless down the stretch. The Lakers, meanwhile, tied the game on two free throws by Shanrika Hardeman and then took the lead for good on a lay-up in transition by Jackson with 1:10 remaining.

Wingate missed three opportunities in the final minute, and Hall connected on a much-needed free throw for Clayton State with five seconds remaining to seal it for the Lakers.

Jennings was huge off the bench for the Lakers with 16 points on 4-for-5 shooting from 3-point range, while Stevens recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Hall scored 10 points for Clayton State, while Hardeman grabbed 10 rebounds.

For Wingate (2-1), Atkinson scored 20 points, followed by Brooks and Kurie Washington with 10 points each.

Clayton State is back in action on Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at home against Tuskegee.