YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Clayton State University used a quick start as the Lakers recorded a 65-43 Peach Belt Conference women's basketball victory over Young Harris College Saturday (Jan. 28) afternoon at the YHC Basketball Arena.

Clayton State improved to 16-4 overall and to 8-3 in the Peach Belt, while the Mountain Lions fell to 7-10 and 3-7. Young Harris has a quick turnaround as they travel to Dahlonega, Georgia, for a 5:30 p.m. PBC contest against the University of North Georgia. The game is also the first of two Battle of Blood Mountain contests between the two cross-mountain rivals.

The Lakers scored 12 of the game's first 13 points as they took a 12-1 lead on two free throws by Monica Alexander with 3:17 remaining in the first quarter. Clayton State, which took a 25-9 lead at the end of the quarter, held the Mountain Lions without a field goal for over seven minutes. The Lakers shot 64.3 percent (9-of-14) from the field in the opening 10 minutes, while Young Harris was limited to 21.4 percent (3-of-14). Andrea Benford scored 12 of her team-high 16 points in the first quarter.

"We struggled with the pressure today," said Young Harris head coach Matt Stearsman. " Our depth on the perimeter hurt us. Sara Jorgensen was an absolute warrior out there as was Jenny Vernet. That's the best Dyiesha Brown has played on both ends all year. We will put this one behind us and start getting ready for North Georgia."

Alexander and Rayven Thomas each added 10 points for the Lakers. Thomas also grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds.

Briana Bell led the Mountain Lions with 12 points while Jenny Vernet added 11. Vernet and Meredith Tarver led Young Harris with seven rebounds.