It was abrupt, unceremonious and unexpected visit to the Division II regional finals for the No. 1-ranked Clayton State women’s basketball team.
The Lakers, who were riding a 32-game winning streak, the longest in school history, and dreaming of their second national title in three seasons, fell behind 32-25 at halftime against Augustana, S.D. (28-6) in San Antonio on Tuesday. They then saw an early second-half deficit climb to an astounding 24 points with just less than eight minutes remaining.
A furious rally that forced eight turnovers in the final minutes cut Augustana’s lead to single digits before Clayton State (32-1) fell 81-68.
“I thought their height affected us today,” coach Dennis Cox said. “We were able to get the ball to the rim, but we were unable to finish. They played really well today, and beat us one through five. Usually when we force 32 turnovers and get 20 steals, we come out on the winning end.
“I give Augustana a lot of credit and wish them luck.”
It was hit or miss for Augustana against Clayton State’s full-court press. Augustana committed 16 turnovers each half, but shot 52.8 percent from the field. Five Vikings scored in double figures and made at least one 3-pointer each, and Augustana shot 58.8 percent on 3-pointers as they won in the first appearance in the Elite Eight.
Shaunteva Ashley and Emily Schulte, sure-handed guards who ranked in the top five of their conference in assist-to-turnover ratio, committed a combined 22 turnovers, but also scored 28 points and had 12 assists.
To open the second half, the Vikings made six of their first seven shots over a five-minute span, including three 3-pointers, two from Schulte. The 16-4 run grew the lead to 48-29.
Drameka Griggs scored 22 to lead the Lakers, while Shacamra Jackson had 17 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. Bena Hanyard had 16 points, seven rebounds and eight of her team’s 20 steals.
Griggs, a 5-foot-5 guard, was selected to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-American team Monday night, the third consecutive season that the Lakers have had a player chosen as an All-American. Teshymia Tillman received the honor in 2011-12 and Tanisha Woodard last season.
Additionally, Griggs has received several other accolades this season. She was chosen the NCAA Division II’s Southeast Region Player of the Year. She was the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year and the MVP of the 2013 Peach Belt Conference tournament.
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