NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Clayton State 65 – USC Aiken 66
Records: Lakers (6-7, 0-5 PBC) – Pacers (6-8, 2-4 PBC)
All-Time Series: Clayton State Leads 27-15
 
AIKEN, S.C. – The Clayton State women's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking loss Wednesday night, falling 66-65 to USC Aiken in a road Peach Belt Conference matchup. 

Clayton State jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the opening 1:58 of play but quickly lost the lead and trailed 21-14 with just over a minute to play. Clayton State did however close the first scoring the final four points to trail by two. 

The second quarter was all Aiken though as the Pacers opened the quarter with eight straight points and outscored Clayton State 17-6 to lead 38-24. 

Audrey McElhaney scored 17 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to give her four double-doubles on the season. Timi'a Swanson added 14 points and nine rebounds while recording five steals. 

The Lakers responded in the third, scoring 21 points to Aiken's 14 and trailed 52-45 with just the fourth to play. 

USC Aiken maintained a seven-point lead throughout the first few minutes of the fourth until the Lakers pulled within three at the 5:28 mark. Clayton State continued to battle the Pacers and eventually took the lead with 41 seconds left off a McElhaney fast break layup.

After getting its own rebound, Aiken scored with 16 seconds left to win the game 66-65. 

Hannah Wright chipped in with 10 points while Taniya Patrick had seven points, eight rebounds and three blocks. 
 
Up Next:
- The women hit the road for a matchup at Georgia College Saturday. The Lakers then return to the Loch for a pair of games on Monday and Wednesday. 
 
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