Story by Peggy Elliott

AIKEN, S.C. - The Clayton State University Laker women's basketball team bested the Tusculum College Pioneers, 51-26, in the second game of the quarterfinals in the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Southeast Regional today at the University of South Carolina Aiken's Convocation Center.

Clayton State, ranked sixth in the latest USA Today/ESPN Division II Coaches' Poll, set a new school record for fewest points allowed in a game in the contest.

The Pioneers came out strong, garnering 18 of its game total 26 points in the first stanza. 

Forward Linda Aughburns was strong under the basket, gaining 12 of the team's 26 rebounds in the first half.

Tied three times in the first half, Tusculum ended the half ahead by a score of 18-16.

In the second half, however, the Lakers outgunned and out-defended the Pioneers. They were led by four double-digit scorers and 24 points earned off turnovers. 

The leading scorers for Clayton State (29-3) were Brittany Hall and Kayla Mobley. Both led the Lakers in the game with 12 points each.

Keona Dixon and PBC defensive player of the year forward Tanisha Woodward contributed 10 points each. Peach Belt Coach of the Year Dennis Cox takes his team into the semifinal round of the regional having shot 34.4 percent from the field in the win over Tusculum.

Senior forward Staci Hicks was the leading scorer for Tusculum (17-10),  accruing nine points in what would be her last game as a Pioneer.  

Aughburns totaled a second-best six points and contributed 18 of the team's total 40 rebounds. The Pioneers were competing in their fifth straight NCAA Division II Southeast Regional.

Clayton State plays the Wingate University Bulldogs in the semifinal round of the Southeast Regional at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 at the USCA Convocation Center in Aiken, S.C.