COLUMBUS - The Columbus State University women's basketball team lost a tight 75-67 contest to Clayton State University on Wednesday in the Lady Cougars' home opener inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.
CSU (1-1, 1-1 PBC) started strong in a tight first quarter going ahead 19-17 after the first 10 minutes of play. The Lady Cougars shot 42.1% (8-for-19) in the quarter with four points apiece from Aryan Dozier, Chrisalyn Boston and Jurnee Smith.
In the second, Columbus State held a 28-23 lead until the Lakers closed the half on a 10-2 run to go ahead 33-30 at the half.
The back-and-forth affair continued in the second half with freshman Olonna Rawls tying the game at 40 on a pair of free throws four minutes into the quarter. An old fashion and-one play by fellow freshman Kyrstin Bond gave Columbus State a 46-45 lead with 3:18 left until the fourth.
However, Clayton State (2-1, 2-1) got hot, nailing back-to-back 3-pointers, building a seven-point advantage (58-51) by the close of the period.
The Lakers stretched the lead to 66-54 midway through the final 10 minutes of play, but the Lady Cougars didn't quit. Columbus State was within three with under two to go after five straight points from Dozier. It wasn't enough though as Clayton State captured its second straight win inside the Lumpkin Center.
"We have to clean up our play," stated head coach Matt Houser. "This is a very young team and they are getting their first taste of Peach Belt Conference play. Saying that we made way too many mistakes out there, but I know we are going to get those things worked out moving forward.
Emilia Tenbrock and Dozier led the Lady Cougars offensively. Tenbrock scored 15 points, including nailing two clutch 3-pointers, while Dozier added 14 points. Three CSU players recorded double-doubles with Dozier (10 rebs), Rawls (10 pts, 12 rebs) and Boston all grabbing 10 or more rebounds. Boston already has two double-doubles this season following her 10-points, 12-rebound performance.
Audrey McElhaney led the Lakers with 25 points shooting 55.6% (10-for-18) from the field to go along with nine rebounds. Timi'a Swanson also scored 21 points and led the team in rebounds with 11.
As a team, Columbus State was 3-for-17 from 3-point range.
The Lady Cougars are back in action on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against Flagler College inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no fan attendance at Saturday's game. Fans can listen to the game on 88.5 FM WCUG radio or watch it broadcasted on Cougar Sports TV.
