GREENWOOD, S.C. – The Clayton State University women's basketball team was downed by the Lander University Bearcats, 79-62, on Monday afternoon.
 
The Lakers struggled to get anything going offensively in the first quarter.  Clayton State only scored five points in the first eight minutes. Jordan Jones, Dana Johnson, and Jasmyn Burts supplied the offense for Clayton State.  Audrey McElhaney scored the final four points for the Lakers, but they trailed 11-9 going into the second quarter.  Both teams combined for nine field goals and 11 turnovers.
 
Raven Riley and Jones kicked off the scoring for the Lakers at the beginning of the second quarter and tied the game at 13.  Lander then went on a 10-2 run and extended their lead to 23-15.  The Lakers kept putting pressure on the Bearcats and responded with a 6-2 run after Riley, Johnson, and Jada Moss all hit field goals.  The Bearcats still held onto a 25-21 lead. 
 
The Lakers were outscored 11-4 to end the half as Lander jumped out to a 36-25 lead going into the half.  Jessica Maye hit the final two field goals for the Lakers. 
 
Halftime: Lander 36, Clayton State 25
 
Lander started the second half on an 8-2 run and led 44-27.  Burts then broke up that run with a three-pointer and closed the gap to 44-30.  The Bearcats kept putting their foot on the gas as they always had an answer for the Lakers.  At the score 51-35, the Lakers tried to cut into their deficit and saw field goals from Burts, Maye, and Riley.  Lander still led 53-41.  The Bearcats closed out the third quarter scoring the final six points and grew their lead to 59-41 going into the final quarter.
 
The Lakers got off to a hot start in the fourth quarter. After Lander scored the first five points of the quarter, Clayton State went on a 15-0 run that lasted for more than six minutes.  The Lakers closed the gap to 64-56.  
 
The Lander Bearcats ended the game on a 10-1 run and won, 79-62.   
 
GAME VITALS
Final: Lander 79, Clayton State 62
Records: Lander: 5-10 (2-4 PBC) | Clayton State: 7-8 (2-4 PBC)
Location: Horne Arena | Lander University | Greenwood, S.C.

QUICK HITS

• Riley led the Lakers with 18 points.
• Moss followed with 10 points.
• Maye led the Lakers with five rebounds and added six points.
• McElhaney committed a team-high six steals.
• The Lakers forced 29 turnovers.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers return home and host the Pacers of USC Aiken on Wednesday, January 18^th.  Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. and it is Student Appreciation Night.  The first 100 students receive a free t-shirt and there will be halftime prizes!
 
Be sure to follow Clayton State Athletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.