MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State University women's basketball team opened its 2023-24 season on Friday evening at the PBC/SAC Challenge.  The Lakers dropped an overtime thriller to UVA Wise, 69-64 at the Loch. 
 
The Cavaliers started the first quarter on a 9-2 run.  Jasmyn Burts nailed a jumper for the Lakers.  Clayton State then saw points from Jada Alston, Sariya Henry, and Devyne Turner down the stretch but still trailed 10-8 with 2:30 to go.  With a minute and a half remaining, the Lakers tied the game at 12 after Jadah Waite and Nylah Williams scored baskets.  UVA Wise took a 15-12 lead going into the second quarter.  The Cavaliers led by as much as six at the beginning of the second quarter at 21-15.  However, baskets by Burts, Waite, and Alston got the Lakers back in the game and tied the game at 22.  UVA Wise went on an 8-2 run to end the half as they led 30-25.  Nina Blade made the lone bucket for the Lakers.
 
Halftime: UVA Wise 30, Clayton State 25
 
Zoe Wiltz and Hannah Wright begin the third quarter with three-balls and Clayton State trailed 33-31.  Wright's three sparked a 13-2 run and made the score, 41-35.  However, the Cavaliers ended the quarter on a 7-3 run and cut the Laker lead to 45-44 going into the final quarter of play.  Sariya Henry and Deborrah Redmon kicked off the fourth quarter with points and the Lakers jumped out to a six-point lead at 50-44.  Redmon converted a three-point play.  With 3:30 minutes left and with the Lakers up five at 53-48, UVA Wise went on a mini 5-0 run and tied the game at 53.  After Redmon converted another three-point play, the Cavaliers made a three and tied the game back up at 56 to force overtime. 
 
Burts scored the first points of the overtime period and made the score 58-56.  After UVA Wise, went on a 7-3 run, Burts was at it again and she tied the game at 63.  However, the Cavaliers scored six of the final seven points and defeated the Lakers, 69-64 in overtime. 
 
GAME VITALS
Final: UVA Wise 69, Clayton State 64 F/OT
Records: UVA Wise: 1-0 | Clayton State: 0-1
Location: The Loch | Clayton State University | Morrow, Ga.
 
QUICK HITS

• Waite led the Lakers with 11 points. 
• Henry led the Lakers with six rebounds.
• Clayton State scored 30 points in the paint and 32 bench points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers conclude the PBC/SAC Challenge on Saturday, November 11^th as they host the Trojans of Anderson University at 3:30 p.m. at the Loch.  The Trojans beat Flagler earlier in the Tournament.  The South Atlantic Conference is up 2-0 on the Peach Belt. 
 
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