COCHRAN, Ga. — Georgia Southwestern shook off a four-game skid and completed the regular-season sweep of Peach Belt Conference newcomer Middle Georgia State University with a 70-66 road victory Saturday afternoon at Morris Gym.
The Lady Hurricanes (9-9, 5-6 Peach Belt) leaned on composure late, committing a season-low 13 turnovers, while Middle Georgia (12-6, 5-6 Peach Belt) was held to just 35.3 percent shooting from the floor.
Ray'ven Robinson delivered at the free-throw line once again, matching her team-leading seven made free throws for the third time this season — the second time coming against the Knights.
Back-and-Forth Opening Sets the Tone
The opening quarter featured five ties and seven lead changes as neither side could create separation early.
Shane' Jackson established an interior presence right away, scoring eight first-quarter points on efficient looks around the basket to help GSW keep pace in an 18-18 opening frame.
Middle Georgia found brief momentum late in the half, taking a 35-28 lead into the break as the Lady Hurricanes went cold from the perimeter in the second quarter.
Third-Quarter Surge Flips the Game
GSW seized control with its best stretch of the afternoon in the third quarter, outscoring the Knights 30-17 to erase the halftime deficit.
Janiya Johnson and
Kassidy Neal knocked down timely three-pointers, while Robinson consistently attacked the lane to earn trips to the foul line. The Lady Hurricanes shot 50 percent from the field in the period and went 10-for-11 at the stripe, turning a seven-point halftime deficit into a 58-52 advantage heading to the fourth.
Lady Hurricanes Hold Off Final Knights Push
GSW stretched its lead to 12 early in the fourth, but the Lady Hurricanes had to hold off one final push by MGA. Neal's bucket with 1:57 remaining put GSW back up by seven, 68-61, and proved to be the difference after MGA had gone on a 7-0 run to pull within five. Middle Georgia had an opportunity to tie the game inside the final minute, but missed the 3-point attempt.
By the Numbers
- Jackson led GSW with 18 points on 9-of-12 shooting
- Robinson added 14 points and five rebounds, going 7-of-8 at the line
- Neal chipped in 10 points and five assists
- GSW committed a season-low 13 turnovers
- The Lady Hurricanes completed the regular-season sweep of Middle Georgia
Next Up
Georgia Southwestern returns home for a pair of games in the Storm Dome next week, starting with Flagler College on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
