Clayton State basketball to host UNC Pembroke Sat.
Morrow, GA – The Clayton State women’s and men’s basketball teams will return to Peach Belt Conference action Saturday, hosting UNC Pembroke at the Athletics & Fitness Center.
Clayton State’s 4th-ranked women’s team will face the Braves at 1:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children 10-under are free. Clayton State faculty, staff and students are admitted free along with a guest with their Laker ID.
The undefeated Clayton State women’s team will be looking for its 15th straight win this season after defeating 3rd-ranked USC Aiken 56-50 in Aiken, SC. The game on Wednesday lived up to all the hype, as the Lakers pulled out the victory in the final minutes. With the game tied at 50 apiece and under a minute to play, the Lakers scored six straight points and held the Pacers scoreless on its last three possessions to capture the victory.
Clayton State’s defense was stellar, holding USC Aiken to 26 percent shooting from the floor for the game and only four field goals in the second half. Guard Drameka Griggs led the squad with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals
UNC Pembroke enters the game with an 8-8 overall record and a 2-5 mark in Peach Belt play. The Braves are coming off a 63-51 loss to Lander on Thursday. Forward Taylor Gallentine led the squad with 15 points, followed by guard Ameilia Partin with 12 points.
Saturday’s matchup will be the 21st time Clayton State and UNC Pembroke have played, and the Lakers hold a 13-7 advantage in the series. Clayton State won last year’s game between the two teams 58-40 in Pembroke, NC.
On the men’s side, the Lakers (7-7, 3-4) will be looking to bounce back after a tough 66-55 loss to USC Aiken on Thursday. The Lakers stayed within striking until the final minutes but was unable to come up with a big basket or defensive stop down the stretch in the 11-point loss.
Clayton State shot better than the Pacers from the field, but the Lakers struggled from the free throw line stripe, especially in the second half, missing nine free throw attempts. Forward Juron Dobbs led the team with 12 points, followed by 11 from forward Omari Murray.
UNC Pembroke enters the game with an 11-6 record and is 4-3 in conference play. The Braves defeated Lander 79-73 on Thursday. K.J. Cooper led the squad with 23 points in the win, followed by Griffin Pittman with 20 points and Quamain Rose with 19 points.
The game on Saturday will be 23rd meeting in the series between UNC Pembroke and Clayton State, and the Lakers lead the series 18-4. Clayton State lost last year’s game at UNC Pembroke 78-73.
