COLUMBUS, GA – The Clayton State women's basketball team had its 14-game winning streak snapped Saturday, falling 63-58 to Columbus State in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals at the Lumpkin Center in Columbus, GA.
The Cougars led much of the second half, but Clayton State stayed within striking distance the entire period. The Lakers cut the deficit to two points, 51-49, with 4:49 remaining only to have Columbus State guard Tae Smith bury a 3-pointer from the corner over the outstretched arms of Laker forward Shacamra Jackson.
Clayton State came right back with an old-fashioned 3-point play by Jackson, as she scored in the low block and then hit a free throw after being fouled.
After a free throw by Columbus' Smith, Jackson hit another jumper to cut the deficit to a single point, 55-54, with 2:51 remaining. The Cougars re-extended their lead back to three points on two free throws by forward Chatil Bradford only to have Clayton State's Bena Hanyard answer with a basket at the 1:33 mark.
Clayton State would come no closer as guard Asha Alexander answered with a basket to give Columbus State a 61-58 lead with 1:22 remaining. The Lakers missed on their next four possessions, while the Cougars hit two free throws to seal the victory.
"Tonight was a great women's basketball game," said head coach Dennis Cox. "I thought we played hard, but we didn't shoot the ball well tonight, but I give Columbus State credit for that. They are an excellent team and both games earlier this year were battles. Jonathan (Norton) is a great coach and had a good game plan tonight, and they executed it well."
Clayton State hit only 31 percent (22-of-71) from the field, its lowest shooting percentage of the season. The Cougars hit only 29 percent (20-of-68) but made 19-of-29 from the free throw line, while the Lakers made 11-of-15.
The loss drops Clayton State to 22-6 on the season, while Columbus State improves to 20-7 and will face Georgia College Sunday in the PBC Tournament Championships at 2 p.m.
Clayton State will now await word on whether it will receive a bid to the NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament field. The 64-team field will be announced via the NCAA.com Sunday at 10 p.m. The selection show will be streamed live at http://www.ncaa.com/live/player?vid=2014/1345&date=2014/03/09. The Lakers entered the PBC Tournament ranked second in the NCAA Division II Southeast Region. The top eight teams from the S.E. Region make the field.
The game was close throughout and featured 11 lead changes and eight ties. Columbus State's largest lead was eight points with 10 minutes remaining in the second half, and the Lakers' largest lead was four points early in the first half. The game was tied at 22 apiece at halftime.
Jackson led the Lakers with 17 points, hitting 6-of-11 from the field to go along with eight rebounds. Guard Tweety Hawkins added 12 points.
For Columbus State, Smith led the attack with 24 points, followed by Bradford with 13 points and 11 boards. Center Carrie Washington finished with 11 points and 20 rebounds.
