BLUFFTON, S.C. – The Clayton State University women's basketball team kicked off action in 2025 with a 62-55 loss against USC Beaufort on Saturday afternoon.  The Lakers were led by guards Jadah Waite and Nya Young with 14 and 12 points, respectively. 
 
The Lakers found themselves down early in the first quarter, 13-9.  Clayton State only managed three field goals including a three-pointer by forward Sariya Henry.  The offense picked up in the second quarter for the Sand Sharks as they outscored the Lakers, 25-13 and led 38-22 at the half.  Henry, Waite, Young and Ky'Leo Worriels supplied all 13 points for the Lakers in the quarter. 
 
Halftime: USC Beaufort 38, Clayton State 22
 
Clayton State outscored the Sand Sharks the entire second half and mounted a comeback.  The Lakers scored nine of the first ten points to start the half and cut the Sand Shark lead to 39-31.  Henry buried another three in the quarter and the Lakers found themselves down 49-37 going into the fourth quarter.  Waite hit back-to-back threes to open the fourth quarter which made the score 54-43.  At the score, 56-43, Jada Alston sparked a 7-0 run and cut the deficit to 56-50. 
 
The Lakers only mustered one field goal in the final 1:30 of the game and ultimately fell, 62-55. 
 
QUICK HITS

• Waite scored 14 points and moves into 13^th all-time in scoring in program history.
• Young added 12 points from off the bench.
• Etaria Gibbons led the Lakers with seven boards, while Worriels Alston, Jasmyn Burts, and Young followed with five.
• The Lakers notched 13 assists on 20 made baskets. 
• Clayton State outscored the Sand Sharks, 33-24. 
• The Lakers suffered their first loss over USCB. 

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers (3-9 (0-2 PBC)) host Augusta University on Wednesday, January 8^th inside the Loch at 5:30 p.m. Please visit claytonstatesports.com for the most updated ticket and live links.
 
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