Women's Basketball | February 28, 2023

AMERICUS, Ga. – The second-seeded Clayton State University women's basketball team is set to take on the Columbus State University Cougars on Wednesday afternoon at 12 p.m. in the Quarterfinals of the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Women's Basketball Tournament.  The number one-seeded Georgia Southwestern State University Hurricanes are hosting the entire tournament. 
 
QUICK FACTS
The second seed is the highest seed in a PBC Tournament since the 2017.  Clayton State is also trying to get back to the title game for the second-straight season.  The Lakers have not won this tournament since they defeated North Georgia, 81-54, in 2013. The Lakers are 27-18 all-time in the PBC Tournament. 
 
QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW
The Lakers take on the Cougars of Columbus State in the Quarterfinals on Wednesday afternoon at 12 p.m.  Clayton State swept the season series with Columbus State winning 73-67 on January 7^th and 82-62 on February 11^th.  The Lakers are also 4-1 all-time against Columbus State in the PBC Tournament dating back to 1998
 
The Cougars (15-11, 9-9 PBC) are led by Emilia Tenbrock, Olonna Rawls, and Amber Abusbeih.  Tenbrock leads the Cougars averaging 15 points game and 41 made three-pointers.  Rawls then leads the team with 6.6 rebounds a game, 82 steals, 86 made free throws and is the second leading scorer averaging 13.5 points a game.  Abusbeih leads Columbus State with 98 assists and is second on the team with 38 made three-pointers.  The Cougars have lost four of their last five games dating back to February 11^th. 
 
IMPACT PLAYERS FOR CLAYTON STATE
The Lakers are led by senior forward Audrey McElhaney and sophomore transfer Laylah Davis.  A native of Tifton, Ga., McElhaney leads the Lakers with 312 total points, 116 made field goals, 79 made free throws, 6.5 rebounds a game, 176 total rebounds, 53 steals, and 33 blocks.  Her 113 offensive rebounds also leads the team, the PBC, and is eighth in the nation.  So far this season, Audrey has posted four double-doubles, 16 games of double-digit scoring, and five games of double-digit rebound totals. 
 
A native of Saginaw, Texas, Laylah Davis has made the best of her first year as a Laker.  Davis leads the Lakers with 11.7 points a game and with 41 made three-pointers.  Laylah is also second on the team with 95 field goals made, 72 free throws made, 46 assists, and with 303 total points scored.  The Laker sophomore scored in double-figures in 15 games this season.  Davis has been on a roll as she has posed 20+ points in two of the last three games. 
 
The Lakers have also saw contributions from Diamond Swift, Jada Moss, and Jordan Jones.  Swift leads the Lakers with 86 assists and is fourth on the team with 27 steals.  Moss is second on the team with 109 rebounds and is averaging 4.2 a game.  Jones is second on the team with 22 made three-pointers. 
 
LOOKING AHEAD
If the Lakers were to win the Quarterfinal game against Columbus State, their next opponent would either be USC Aiken or Young Harris.  Clayton State split the season series with both teams.  The Lakers defeated both teams at the Loch but lost on the road.  The Semifinal game would be set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 2^nd. 
 
HOW TO FOLLOW YOUR LAKERS
Fans can follow every step of the action for the PBC Tournament at these links below:
Watch
Live Stats
Tickets (You must buy your tickets online prior to entry)
 
Be sure to follow Clayton State Athletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.