Albany State University Athletics

Turnovers Costly for Golden Rams in Non-Conference Road Loss

December 12, 2017

AMERICUS- Georgia Southwestern avenged their only loss of the season with a 101-97 overtime victory over Albany State University Tuesday afternoon at the Storm Dome.

The Lady Golden Rams had five notch double figures in the loss to the Canes. Kayla Green and Ashley Johnson tied for team high with 16 apiece while Tyra Thompson and Shantrell Holland both put forth 15 point efforts. Elesha Foster registered her second double-double of the season with 13 points and a game high 10 rebounds.

In a contest that featured 14 lead changes and 11 ties, an overtime session was inevitable.

At the 6:20 mark of the third quarter, Ashley Johnson drained a three-pointer to give ASU a lead that would hold until the final minute of regulation. A layup by GSW's Mariya Trimble with 1:16 left put the Canes up a point, 84-83. Johnson then answered for ASU, completing a three point play with 56 seconds to go for an 87-85 score in favor of the Golden Rams.

Over the final five ticks of the fourth quarter Elesha Foster and Tyisha Moore both made one of two from the free throw line to send the game to an extra five minutes tied at 88.

In overtime, the Lady Golden Rams struggled from the field, connecting on their first basket, a layup by Green, with 1:23 remaining. Amanda Melosky then sank two free throws with 41 seconds left to put the Canes up 98-93. Scores by Green and Alexandria James book-ended a Canes turnover to pull ASU within a point, 98-97, but a miscue on their next possession ended their chances at a season sweep.

GSW hit 3 of 4 from the line over the waning seconds to claim the victory.

The Canes (4-1) scored 30 points off of a season high 26 Albany State turnovers, including 18 between the second half and overtime.

The Lady Golden Rams will hit the hardwood again against Rollins College on Monday December 18^th in Winter Park, FL.