BIG SECOND HALF POWERS GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN PAST GOLDEN RAMS 78-71
December 12, 2017
AMERICUS- Albany State University dropped a 78-71 non-conference decision to Georgia Southwestern University Tuesday afternoon at the Storm Dome.
Led by Quenten Taylor, who scored all of his 12 points in the second half, the Canes rallied from a 34-29 deficit at halftime. GSW shot a sizzling 60% after the intermission on 18-30 from the field and rode a +9 free throw advantage to lift their record to 3-1 overall. Four of five starters, including Taylor, registered double figures for the Canes; Andre Statam and Devin Watson put up 17 points apiece while Hasaan Buggs chipped in with 13.
Mike Green was the catalyst for Albany State's bench scoring, where the Rams bested the Canes 40-12. Green finished with 11 points as a reserve while
Rahdin Hughes was the only other Golden Ram with double digits with a team high 15 points.
After trailing from the opening tip and by as many as 7 over the first 16 minutes of play, back to back three pointers by
Jayson Snearl and Hughes keyed a 13-2 run over the final 3:25 of the first half and the Rams took a five point lead at the break. Â
The two teams exchanged four straight baskets to begin the second half however the Canes went on a 20-4 scoring tear to take a commanding 59-43 lead with 11:07 left in the contest. Facing an uphill battle, the Golden Rams fought back and after a three-pointer by Green with 2:36 remaining, ASU trailed 69-66. A quick spurt by Canes pushed the lead to 8 and although the Rams pulled to within 5 twice over the last 30 seconds, GSW sealed the win making 4 of 4 shots from the free throw line.
The Golden Rams will close out 2017 with two SIAC matchups on the road. First at Lemoyne-Owen on December 29
th followed by Lance College on December 30
th.
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