AMERICUS, Ga. – A career-high 31 points from
Ray'ven Robinson kept the Georgia Southwestern State University women's basketball team within striking distance throughout the night, but the Lady Hurricanes came up short in a 74-66 Peach Belt Conference loss to USC Beaufort on Wednesday evening inside the Storm Dome.
The game featured 10 lead changes and was tied seven times, but USC Beaufort pulled away late behind free-throw shooting and transition baskets to secure the road win.
Back-and-Forth Opening Quarter
Georgia Southwestern came out sharp offensively, shooting better than 53 percent in the opening period and matching USC Beaufort basket for basket early.
Robinson scored nine points in the first quarter, including a pair of three-pointers, as the Lady Hurricanes answered every surge from the Sand Sharks. USC Beaufort held a slim 20-18 edge after one in a tightly contested opening frame.
Robinson Heats Up Before the Break
The Lady Hurricanes leaned heavily on Robinson in the second quarter, and she delivered, scoring eight points in the period while attacking the rim and connecting from deep.
A late Robinson three pushed GSW briefly into the lead, and the teams headed into halftime locked in a 35-35 tie, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
Third-Quarter Tug of War
Neither team was able to create separation coming out of the locker room. Robinson continued her efficient night, hitting her fourth three-pointer and scoring in transition to keep GSW close.
Despite solid defensive efforts and timely rebounds from
Kassidy Neal, the teams were tied 51-51 heading into the final quarter.
Late Run Seals It for USC Beaufort
USC Beaufort used a 9-0 run to open the fourth quarter to take control, capitalizing on turnovers and fast-break opportunities to stretch the margin to nine, the largest lead by either side in the game.
GSW responded behind Robinson, who scored or assisted on several late baskets to cut the deficit to four with under five minutes remaining, but the Sand Sharks converted their final four free throws to hold off the comeback attempt.
Career Performance from Robinson
Robinson finished with 31 points on 11 of 15 shooting, knocking down all four of her three-point attempts and adding five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in 37 minutes.
Kassidy Neal added 12 points and 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season, while
Madison Brittle chipped in eight points and
Shane' Jackson scored six with a block and two rebounds off the bench.
With the result, GSW has lost four of its last five games and moves to 8-7 overall and 4-4 in PBC play, while USC Beaufort improves to 9-7 overall and 6-3 in league action.
Next Up
The Lady Hurricanes continue conference play this weekend as they look to bounce back at home against No. 18 Columbus State on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
