Morrow, GA – Two free throws by Young Harris forward Ladondra Johnson with five seconds remaining Wednesday lifted the Mountain Lions to a 45-44 win over 19th-ranked Clayton State at the Athletics Center.
The Lakers had one final chance in the closing seconds but was unable to get a shot off as the buzzer sounded.
After trailing the entire second half, the Lakers battled back over the final three minutes of the game. The squad scored five unanswered points to take a one-point lead with 12 seconds left in the game. Two free throws by Laker forward Andrea Benford gave Clayton State a 44-43 advantage before Johnson's game winners on the other end.
With the loss, the Lakers fall to 8-4 overall and 3-2 in the Peach Belt, while Young Harris improves to 8-3 overall and 3-1 in the league. The Lakers will return to action on Saturday, traveling to face North Georgia in Dahlonega. Tip-off for the game is 1:30 p.m.
The lead swung back and forth in the first half before the Mountain Lions took a 14-13 advantage with 4:32 remaining in the period. Young Harris led 21-17 at intermission.
The Lakers struggled on the offensive end, hitting only 25 percent (12-of-48) from the floor but stayed close thanks to nine 3-pointers. The Mountain Lions hit 40 percent (19-of-47) and held a 32-30 advantage on the boards. Clayton State committed 23 turnovers compared to 21 for Young Harris.
Forward Yishica Sims led the Laker attack with 20 points, including six three pointers in the game. Laker forward Shacamra Jackson finished with a team-leading 11 rebounds.
Johnson led the Mountain Lions with 23 points and five boards. Guard Jenna Thompson and center Kaycee Cash each chipped in eight points.
The Mountain Lions outscored the Lakers 24-6 in the paint and 15-7 off turnovers in the game.
