Wingate Knocks off Defending National Champions, Advances to NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Regional Final

AIKEN, S.C.-- Wingate University sophomore guard Nikki Burton knocked down the game-winnING runner off the glass with 4.6 seconds remaining to give the third-seeded Bulldogs a thrilling 64-63 win over sixth-ranked Clayton State, the defending national champions.

The Bulldogs improve to 24-7 overall, advancing to Monday night's regional championship game.

The Bulldogs led throughout Saturday's game, but a three from Clayton State's Drameka Griggs (Ellenwood, Ga.) put the Lakers on top by one with 10 seconds remaining. After a timeout, Burton took the ball the length of the floor, banking in the game-winner from outside the lane to put the Bulldogs back on top. Clayton State's desperation heave missed, sending the Bulldogs to the regional championship game for the second time in five years.

Burton led the Bulldogs with 16 points. Senior forward Simone Rutledge (Atlanta, Ga.) had 15 points. Classmate Kurie Washington (Marion, N.C.) had 13 points, all in the first half. The top scorer for Clayton State was Griggs with 18 points. Senior forward Tanisha Woodard (Rome, Ga.) had 14 points on the strength of a game-high four three-point field goals.

- Courtesy Wingate Media Relations