Women's Recap

Lady Hurricanes lose 76-71 to Armstrong Atlantic 

On two separate occasions the Georgia Southwestern women's basketball squad battled back from a 17-point deficit to pull within a single possession only to see Armstrong Atlantic come away with a 76-71 win at the Storm Dome on Wednesday evening.

The Lady Pirates (12-8, 7-6 PBC) won for just the second time in its last eight games, while GSW (6-14, 1-12 PBC) lost its second straight contest. AASU swept the season series from the Lady Hurricanes after taking a 78-60 win over GSW on January 7 in Savannah.

AASU built a 17-point advantage (22-5) over the first ten minutes of the ballgame as the Lady Hurricanes started the night 2-for-9 from the floor with four turnovers and a pair of missed free throws.  

After a 23-8 GSW run, Southwestern had pulled to with two points (30-28).  However, Armstrong Atlantic would extend their advantage to nine at the break (41-32).

AASU regained a 17-point lead with 16:24 left in the game after a 13-5 run.  The Lady Pirates would hold a double-digit advantage for the next ten minutes.  Southwestern made one last run at Armstrong Atlantic and eventually cut the lead to three with 55 seconds to go.  After the teams exchanged missed shots, Brandi Burris was unable to connect on a three-point basket with 11 seconds left and AASU sealed the victory by connecting on their final four free throw attempts.   

GSW was led by Nadirah Gardner's 19 points off the bench, while Burris chipped in 18 points and Brittany Reynolds added 14.

Lindsey Holmes had a game-high 23 points, 21 of which she scored in the first half.  Lacey Willis went for 20  points and Kelly Versluis added 12.

AASU enjoyed a 41-26 rebounding edge in the contest - after having been outrebounded by the Lady Hurricanes by 23 in the earlier matchup this season.

The Lady Hurricanes travel to No. 17 Francis Marion on Saturday, February 7, for a 2 p.m. Peach Belt Conference contest. 

Men's Recap

No. 15 Armstrong Atlantic defeats GSW, 61-52   

Chris Rawls posted his fifth double-double of the season in a losing effort as No. 15-ranked Armstrong Atlantic State defeated GSW 61-52 in a Peach Belt Conference men's basketball matchup on Wednesday evening in the Storm Dome.

The Pirates (16-4, 9-4 PBC) swept the season series from the Hurricanes (8-12, 4-9 PBC), after winning the earlier meeting, 85-68, in Savannah on January 7.

Another slow start doomed the Hurricanes as AASU jumped out to an 11-2 lead in just over five minutes of play.  The Pirate lead was eight at the half (39-31).

The closest Southwestern could get was four points (42-38) with 16:44 remaining.  Down the stretch it was free throws and rebounds that helped Armstrong hold off the 'Canes.  AASU outrebounded GSW, 23-13, in the final 20 minutes and connected on seven more free throws.

While Southwestern posted season-lows in points (52), field goal percentage (35.2) and free throw attempts (14), the Hurricane defense tightened and allowed season-lows in points (61) and opponent field goal percentage (36.2)

GSW was led by Anthony Sargent's 16 points and Rawls' double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Calvin Wilson led the Pirates with 18 points, while also grabbing 14 boards to lead all players for AASU. Dwight Tolbert chipped in 15 points and T.T. Hall added 12.

Southwestern returns to action on Saturday, February 7, with a 4 p.m. Peach Belt Conference contest at Francis Marion.