The Lakeland women's basketball team hosted the Clark State Eagles today in OCCAC action and came away with a hard-fought 50-47 victory. With the win, Lakeland has improved to 6-5 in conference play (10-10 overall) and put themselves an important step closer to post-season play. The game was a battle for the Lakers all day. The Eagles would jump out to an 8-0 lead to start the game. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz and Trinity Jackson would then connect on 3-pointers around a Clark basket to make the score 10-6 in favor of the visitors. Jackson would then score a layup to cut the deficit to 10-8 before the Eagles would answer with a free throw and a basket to increase their lead to 13-8. Hitt-Swartz would then connect on a running bank shot before the Eagles scored to close the quarter with the Lakers trailing 15-10. In the second quarter, the teams would trade baskets early before Monica Devine scored a layup to tie the game at 17. Following a Clark miss, Monetta Hilory drove the baseline for a layup and the Lakers had their first lead at 19-17 with 5 minutes to play in the quarter. The Eagles would then go on a mini-run as they took advantage of Laker missed shots as the teams went into the break with the Lakers trailing 23-19. 

The 3rd quarter was more of the same game as the teams traded baskets the entire period. Everytime the Lakers scored the Eagles answered back and Lakeland ended the period still trailing Clark by a score of 35-31. To start the 4th quarter, Monetta Hilory would score a layup to bring the Lakers within 2 at 35-33. Following a Clark basket, Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz made a 3-pointer to get the Lakers closer at 37-36. Following a Clark State basket, Trinity Jackson sank a 10' jumper. After a Clark miss, Jackson would make a 3-point play as she made a layup and then the free throw after being fouled to give Lakeland a 41-39 lead with 6:28 to play. After another Clark miss, Jackson would hit a floater for a 43-39 Laker lead.  Clark State would then tie the score at 43 by making the next two baskets. Following a Clark turnover, the Lakeland offense executed great ball movement as everyone touched the ball before Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz drained another 3-pointer for a 46-43 Laker lead. The Eagles would answer with a basket to make the score 46-45 with 1:24 to play. The Lakers again showed great poise as they worked the ball before Monica Devine scored a layup on a nice pass from Jackson as the shot clock was winding down. Clark State would come within 1 point again at 48-47 after a layup with 34 seconds to play. Following a Laker timeout, Lakeland was able to inbound he ball and work the clock before being fouled. Clark State was still not at the foul limit and so the Lakers retained possession with under 20 seconds to play. On the next inbounds play, the Eagles forced a jumpball as they tied up the basketball. The possession arrow still favored the Lakers and so Lakeland retained possession. The Lakers would then inbound the ball again and the Eagles quickly fouled Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz. Hitt-Swartz calmly stepped to the line and drained both free throws putting the Lakers up 50-47 with 7.6 seconds to play. The Eagles then advanced the ball on a timeout. Clark State would then inbound the ball hoping for a desperation 3-pointer only to have Trinity Jackson block the shot as time expired. 

In a hard-fought team effort, Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz and Trinity Jackson each finished with 18 points. Monica Devine and Monetta Hilory each added 7 points in the Laker win.

Gardy's Gab: "First - credit Clark State as they played hard. They've been in every game they have played this year and are a tough opponent. We didn't have high energy early, but we continud to work as a team. Fortunately, we made some big shots down the stretch and also played some good defense. In February, all the games are tough. This was a good team win."

Next Up: The Lakers will have a quick turn-around as they play a make-up game on Monday (2/17) against the Owens Express in Laker Gym. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 pm.