MORROW, Ga. - In a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle, the Lakers welcomed the Augusta University Jaguars to the Loch on Wednesday and pulled off a 61–60 win. The game stayed competitive from start to finish, but the Lakers turned it up down the stretch and came out on top in a one-point thriller.

The Lakers got after it early, attacking the paint and crashing the boards to stay in the mix. Tianna Dismuke and Jasmyn Burts set the tone with buckets and defensive plays, including steals that kept the team energized. Etaria Gibbons and Dismuke controlled the glass, while Dazjanae Greene and Skye Cleveland knocked down a few threes to keep the game close.


Halftime: Augusta 36, Clayton State 29

After the break, the Lakers picked up the pace in the third quarter, finishing strong inside and off turnovers, extending their edge while staying disciplined on defense. The Jaguars kept answering with baskets, keeping the game competitive heading into the fourth.  In the fourth quarter, the Lakers flipped the switch. Dismuke's layup in the paint tied the game at 50, swinging momentum their way, while Burts contributed critical baskets and defensive stops. Gibbons and Dismuke continued to dominate the boards, and the Lakers' balanced attack allowed them to pull ahead. In a nail-biting final minute, they held on, securing the 61–60 victory over the Jaguars.

QUICK HITS

• Tianna Dismuke led the Lakers with 19 points and 10 boards.
• Burts followed with 12 points and added seven steals.
• The Lakers shot 6-for-13 from beyond the arc.
• With the win, Clayton State moves into a tie for sixth place in the PBC standings.
• The Lakers scored 14 points from fast-break action and 28 points off turnovers.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers (10-14, 7-10 PBC) will travel to Bluffton, SC. On Saturday, February 21st, to take on the USC Beaufort Sand Sharks with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
 
Be sure to follow Clayton State Athletics, "South Atlanta's College Team" on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.