AMERICUS, Ga. -- The Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team turned a competitive first half into a comfortable victory Wednesday night, pulling away from Clayton State University for an 88-66 win inside the Storm Dome.
The Hurricanes led 36-31 at the break before opening the game up in the second half, shooting 50 percent from the floor over the final 20 minutes and steadily building separation. GSW never trailed after halftime and pushed the margin to as many as 24 points down the stretch.
Reaves Sets the Tone
Amir Reaves led the Hurricanes with 23 points on an efficient 8 of 11 shooting performance, marking his second 20-point outing of the season. Reaves was aggressive attacking the basket and perfect from the free-throw line, finishing 6-for-6 at the stripe.
His ability to score in transition helped Georgia Southwestern find its rhythm offensively and keep Clayton State on its heels throughout the night.
Depth on Display
GSW showcased its balance with five players scoring in double figures.
JR Jacobs added 15 points and knocked down all three of his attempts from beyond the arc, while
Markel Freeman chipped in 13 points, including three three-pointers.
Deonte Williams finished with 11 points and five assists, and
Keshawn Brown Jr. provided a lift off the bench with 12 points as the Hurricanes maintained consistent production regardless of lineup.
Pulling Away After the Break
After a five-point halftime lead, the Hurricanes opened the second half with increased defensive pressure and quicker tempo. GSW capitalized on Clayton State turnovers and pushed the pace, finishing with 26 fast-break points and a 21-11 advantage in points off turnovers.
Georgia Southwestern also controlled the paint, outscoring the Lakers 38-24 inside.
Streak Continues
With the victory, the Hurricanes extended their winning streak against Clayton State to 11 consecutive games and improved to 8-3 overall and 2-2 in Peach Belt Conference play.
Next Up
The Hurricanes host Southern Wesleyan University on Saturday at 2 p.m. to close out the calendar year.
