AMERICUS, Ga. — The best start in six years just got even better.
Junior guards
JR Jacobs and
Markel Freeman lit up the Storm Dome on Monday night as the Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team rolled past Auburn University at Montgomery, 94-78, to improve to 5-0 for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
Jacobs delivered another standout performance, erupting for a season-best 27 points on an ultra-efficient 9-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-7 from deep. It marks the second straight game he has been the game's leading scorer, and the junior looked in full command from the opening minutes through his late-game dagger threes.
Freeman matched that energy with a milestone night of his own, scoring 20 points — his first 20-point game as a Hurricane — while adding four rebounds, two assists, and a pair of timely defensive plays.
Hurricanes Set the Tone Early
GSW wasted no time building momentum, hitting 18-of-30 shots in the first half (60 percent) and knocking down five threes to take a 46-40 lead into the break. Freeman opened the game with a three, scored the Hurricanes' first five points, and helped ignite a 21–10 surge that put AUM on its heels.
Jacobs followed with a flurry of mid-range jumpers and kick-out threes, and the duo combined for 25 first-half points.
Second-Half Surge Puts It Away
The Hurricanes didn't slow down after halftime — they tightened their defense, pushed the pace, and shot 56.5 percent in the final 20 minutes.
AUM briefly cut the lead to five, but Jacobs responded with back-to-back buckets, Freeman drilled a corner three, and GSW's offense opened the floodgates. The Hurricanes outscored AUM 48-38 in the second half and led by as many as 16 in the closing minutes.
Newcomer
Amir Reaves added a strong 18-point effort, knocking down 8-of-9 from the free-throw line and scoring consistently through contact.
Deonte Williams packed the stat sheet with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals, while
Matthew Webster powered his way to 12 points and nine boards, delivering yet another physical interior performance.
Efficiency Everywhere
GSW turned in its most balanced and efficient offensive outing of the season:
- 58.5% shooting (31-of-53)
- 50% from three (10-of-20)
- 78.6% at the line (22-of-28)
- 36 rebounds
- 21 assists
The Hurricanes also scored 36 points in the paint and 15 fast-break points, repeatedly punishing AUM in transition.
A Confident 5-0 Start
With the win, Georgia Southwestern stands at 5-0 for the first time since the 2019-20 squad opened its season five consecutive victories. The last Hurricanes team to open with at least six straight wins was the 2013-14 squad that went on to produce one of the most successful years in program history — opening 10-0 and eventually reaching the NCAA national tournament.
Next Up
The Hurricanes have one day to prepare for Florida Tech with a nonconference matchup Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Storm Dome before taking a short break for the Thanksgiving holiday as Peach Belt Conference play approaches.
