MORROW, Ga. – A fierce fourth quarter comeback was not enough as Clayton State (4-3, 1-1 PBC) dropped a 67-58 decision to a much improved USC Aiken (6-3, 3-1 PBC) team in an NCAA Division II women's basketball game on Monday, December 17.
 
Senior forward Velencia Johnson (Hoover, Ala.) scored a team-high 13 points to go with four steals and five rebounds to pace the Lakers while senior guard TaKwana Bland (Williamston, N.C.) finished with seven points and seven boards.
 
Senior center Aleisha Merriweather (Augusta, Ga.) added eight points and four caroms and redshirt-junior guard Madison Newby (Lawrenceville, Ga.) notched five steals, three points, three assists and three rebounds. Sophomore guard Dalania Clardy (Riverdale, Ga.) rounded things out with seven points.
 
The Pacers would live up to their name over the first 8:37 as they set the pace with a 15-4 run that saw them produce six different scorers. After weathering that run, the Lakers would answer with a 12-3 burst over the next 2:11 to hammer the lead down to 18-16 just 49 seconds into the second period.
 
USCA would then get six points from Kyrie' Chandler as part of an 8-3 run that extended their lead to 26-19 by the 5:36 mark. From there, neither team would be able to generate any offense over the next three and a half minutes until a bucket by Johnson pulled Clayton State to within five at 2:10. The Pacers would then close the half with a 29-23 advantage.
 
There would be no doubt about which team came out ready to play at the start of the third period, however, as USC Aiken scored the first eight points, taking just 1:16 to make it 37-23. It would not get much better as the Pacers would maintain a double-digit lead before closing the frame with a 49-37 margin.
 
Much the same as USCA came out strong out of the gate to start the third, that would be the case with the Lakers in the fourth. Trailing 52-39 after an early triple, Clayton State put together a 19-7 stretch that pulled them within 59-58 with 1:10 to play. A steal by Newby on the ensuing inbound following a free throw then gave them back the ball but they could not capitalize.
 
From there a layup by Kwajelin Farrar pushed it back to a three-point advantage and a missed three-pointer gave it right back to the Pacers. They would not give it back without extending their advantage each time as they went 6-of-6 from the foul line down the stretch to secure the 67-58 victory.
 
Farrrar led USC Aiken with a near double-double of 13 points and nine boards while Chandler finished with 13 points and five assists. Grace Crawford added 10 points and Sade Johnson had eight points and seven caroms. Melyk Taouil chipped in with six points and five rebounds.
 
The Lakers are right back in action on Wednesday, December 19 as they host Lander. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at The Loch.
 

USC Aiken vs. Clayton State (12/17/18)