Five straight! Clayton State women roll past Puerto Rico-Bayamon 85-38

SAN JUAN, P.R. – December 11, 2011 – The Clayton State Laker women's basketball team made it a clean sweep on the island of Puerto Rico on Sunday with an impressive 85-38 triumph over Puerto Rico-Bayamon.

The Lakers, ranked sixth in Division II, won their fifth straight game to improve to 8-1 overall. Clayton State defeated Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras on Saturday.

"We were much more prepared today and played with a lot more energy," said Clayton State head coach Dennis Cox. "Overall, the effort was just a whole lot better than Saturday. We shot it better and were able to utilize the press a lot more."

Just like Saturday against P.R.-Rio Piedras, Clayton State's defensive pressure once again dictated the tempo on Sunday. The Lakers forced 26 turnovers by P.R.-Bayamon and had 32 points off of turnovers. In addition, Clayton State limited P.R.-Bayamon to only 25 percent shooting from the field, including only 2-for-17 from 3-point range.

After jumping out to a 17-point lead at halftime, Clayton State clearly dominated in the second half. The Lakers scored 46 points and shot 55 percent from the field. Meanwhile, the tenacious Laker defense limited P.R.-Bayamon to only four field goals in the second half.

Five players reached double-figures for Clayton State. Senior guard Brittany Hall and junior guard Drameka Griggs each scored 15 points, while Griggs also recorded seven steals. Tanisha Woodard scored 12 points with four blocked shots; followed by Keona Dixon with 11 points and junior center Shannon Smith added 10 points.

For the second straight game, the Clayton State bench played a huge factor as the Lakers produced 46 points off the bench.

Keisha Bavhour scored a game-high 18 points for P.R.-Bayamon.

Clayton State returns home on Wednesday for its Peach Belt Conference opener against in-state rival Georgia Southwestern. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Athletics and Fitness Center.