MORROW, GA – The 5th-ranked Clayton State women's basketball team opened its 2012-13 home schedule in impressive fashion Saturday, powering past Chowan 74-28 in the Loch Shop Classic.
The Lakers took control of the contest early and never looked back, holding the Hawks to only seven field goals in the game. The 27 points was only one point shy of the Clayton State record, as the Lakers held Tusculum to only 26 points in a win over Tusculum last year.
"I was real pleased with our defensive effort in the half court tonight," said head coach Dennis Cox. "We really sat down and guarded, limiting their open shots."
With the win, the Lakers remain undefeated at 4-0, while Chowan drops to 0-5 on the year. Clayton State will return to action on Mason Barfield Court Sunday, hosting Lenoir-Rhyne in the second day of the Loch Shop Classic. The Bears defeated North Georgia 74-61 earlier Saturday in the tournament.
Clayton State raced out to a 13-0 lead in the first five minutes of the game on a layup by center Shacamra Jackson. After both teams swapped baskets, Chowan cut the deficit to 11 points, 17-6, on basket by forward Karina Monroe with 10 minutes remaining only to have the Lakers explode on a 16-6 run to take a commanding 33-12 lead at intermission.
In the second half, the Lakers put the game out of reach, outscoring the Hawks 13-1 in the first five minutes to take a 35-point lead, 48-13. A layup by forward Kayla Mobley capped the run for Clayton State.
Clayton State led by at least 30 points and pushed its advantage to a game-high 47 points, 74-27, on a 3-pointer by guard Shadawn Clanton with less than a minute remaining in the game.
The Lakers had 10 players score in the game, including four in double-digits. Guard Drameka Griggs led the way with 14 points, hitting 7-of-10 shots from the field. Arkia Armstrong, Jackson and Mobley each finished with 12 points for the squad. Forward Jessica Covington led the team on the boards with seven rebounds.
For Chowan, guard Janelle Murphy led the attack with eight points.
Clayton State held the Hawks to only 22 percent (7-of-32) from the field and forced 32 turnovers. The Lakers shot 47 percent from the floor (28-of-60).
