WISE Va. – Anderson University women's basketball (0-1) dropped its season opener versus Clayton State (1-0), 70-49, on Friday afternoon at the South Atlantic Conference/Peach Belt Conference challenge hosted by UVA Wise at the Prior Center.
"Not the way we wanted to start," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "You have to give credit to Clayton State. They played really well and knocked down their free throws."
"Overall, I thought we got better as the game went along," said Barbaree. "I think we learned a lot and the great thing about the Challenge is we get to turn back arounds and play again tomorrow."
Clayton State took advantage of a slow start by AU to win the opening quarter, 23-12. The Lakers were able to hold their lead, heading into halftime with a 13-point advantage while pushing their lead to 20 points at the end of the third frame. AU kept the fourth quarter close, but could not make up any ground. For the game, the Lakers made 25-of-31 foul shots with the Trojans connecting on 12-of-21.
Anderson kept fighting, but the deficit proved to be too much to overcome with the Lakers claiming the Black and Gold's opening game of the 2022-23 season.
The Trojans placed two players in double figure scoring with seniors Nelliah Wilson and Jalyn Spurlin scoring 10 points apiece. Wilson also grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds to earn her first double-double of the season. Senior Brittney Stafford and sophomore Diamond McDowell each chipped in eight points for the Trojans.
Clayton State placed three players in double-figures with Laylah Davis leading all-scorers with a game-high 16 points. Tanyia Patrick and Jada Moss netted 13 and 10 points respectively.
The Trojans will square off with Peach Belt Conference member Flagler tomorrow. Tip-off is slated for 1 pm.
