PEMBROKE- Despite a sluggish start for both teams, the UNCP women's basketball team slowly allowed visiting Peach Belt Conference opponent Clayton State to close out the 18-point victory on Thursday evening in the English E. Jones Center, 58-40.

The game progressed through more than two and a half minutes before either team scored, and at the 10 minute mark, both UNCP (4-8, 1-3 PBC) and Clayton State (14-1, 4-0) combined for a mere 16 points. At halftime, the lead had changed four times with UNCP holding its largest lead of one point, while Clayton State controlled an eight point lead during the first half and ultimately its largest lead at the final buzzer.

Senior DeDe Cotten registered 12 points as she was 4-of-9 from the 3-point line, while freshman Jazmine Kemp tallied 10 points and shared a team-high five rebounds with Courtney Bolton and Taylor Gallentine. The Lady Braves shot 70.6 percent from the charity stripe as Kemp was 4-of-4 at the line and Bolton was 3-of-4 in foul shooting.

The Black and Gold struggled to get baskets to fall as the team combined for its lowest shooting percentage of the season at 27.9 percent from the field, however, UNCP outshot the Lady Lakers at the 3-point line as UNCP shot 26.7 percent compared to 21.1 percent for Clayton State. Turnovers and rebounds posed another problem for the Lady Braves as the squad was outrebounded 38-31 and committed 23 turnovers compared to Clayton State's 21.

Brittany Hall and Tanisha Woodard shared the game-high of 13 point apiece as Shacamra Jackson chipped in 11 points. Kayla Mobley led the defense with nine points, while Woodard grabbed four steals and two blocks. 

"They are a very good team because they are athletic and long, and their pressure bothers you because if it's not forcing turnovers then it just takes you so long to get up court and get into your offense," said UNCP head coach John Haskins. "I thought, on the other hand, that our defense was good enough to give us a chance to win."

The Lady Braves will continue action in the English E. Jones Center on Saturday when they play host to conference opponent Montevallo (5-6, 0-2). Tip off has been set for 1:30 p.m., with the UNCP men following the conclusion of the women's game. Admission prices are $5 for adults and $2 for children 18 years of age and younger. UNCP students are admitted free with a valid Braves Card.

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