MORROW, GA  – The Clayton State women's basketball program raced out to a big lead Saturday and then had to hold on in its first exhibition game of the season, defeating Emory 59-57 at the Athletics & Fitness Center.

 Clayton State guard Keona Dixon hit two free throws with three-tenths of a second remaining to lift the Lakers to the two-point victory. Dixon was fouled coming down the floor just outside the three-point arc, as the Lakers hurried down the court in an attempt to get off a final shot.

 The Lakers had led until the opening tip until Emory guard Hannah Lilly drilled a three-pointer in the closing seconds to tie the score at 57. The shot capped a 16-2 run by the Eagles, giving them the opportunity to steal the victory in the end.

 Clayton State will return to action on Friday, hosting Southern Poly in another exhibition game at 7:30 p.m. at the Athletics & Fitness Center.

 The Lakers jumped out to a quick lead in the opening half, thanks to their stifling defensive pressure, creating eight turnovers in first 10 minutes of the game. They took a convincing a 26-4 lead with 10:24 remaining on layup by junior center Shacamra Jackson.

 The Eagles answered however and cut the deficit to eight points at halftime with to a 15-4 run to close the half. Emory's Gabi Whitmer hit 1-of-2 free throws in the final minute to cut the deficit to 35-27 at intermission.

 In the second half, Clayton State got off to another fast start and pushed its lead to 46-27 with an 11-0 run in the first four minutes of the half. Forward Hiydaayah Williams capped the run with a layup at the 16:01 mark.

 Clayton State maintained its double-digit lead for most of the second half until going cold on the offensive end in the final seven minutes, scoring only two points.

 For the Lakers, Jackson led the attack with 15 points, 13 rebounds and six steals in the game. Guard Drameka Griggs finished with 13 points, six assists and seven steals. Forward Kayla Mobley finished with eight points and seven boards.

 Emory's Lilly led all scorers with 17 points, hitting five three-pointers in the game. Forward Misha Jackson finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, while center Danielle Landry pulled a team-high 13 boards.  

 Both teams shot below 40 percent from the field in the game, and Clayton State forced the Eagles into 35 turnovers, while committing 26 of their own.