By Staff Reports

 

GREENWOOD, SC – After losing to USC Aiken 84-69 on Saturday, February 10, Georgia Southwestern State university was hoping to leave South Carolina with at least one win when they took on Lander University Monday, February 12. However, Lander hit 10 three-pointers in the second-half and outscored the Hurricanes by nine points in the final four and a half minutes to beat GSW 92-79.

The Hurricanes have now lost two straight and have an overall record of 12-10 and are 8-10 in the Peach Belt Conference. Lander, on the other hand, has won two straight and three of its last four, improving to 10-14 overall and 6-12 in the PBC.

Despite the loss, GSW remains tied for sixth in the PBC standings. The Hurricanes are two up in the win column on a group of three teams currently on the outside looking in for a berth in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament with four games remaining.

GSW got off to a good start and held a small lead for much of the first half. They pushed the margin to seven points on a three-pointer by Jason Weaver with 3:48 remaining in the half.

However, Lander went on a 9-2 run to close out the first half. A jumper by Sergio Smith with 30 seconds left gave the Bearcats their first lead of the game at 38-36.

R.J. Sessions scored the first seven points of the second half to put the Hurricanes back out in front. GSW led until the 10:41 mark. At that point, the Bearcats hit three consecutive three-pointers to take the lead. They hit two more to put the Hurricanes in a 65-58 hole. Sidney Robinson accounted for four of the five three-pointers. GSW eventually pulled to within four at 73-69 with 4:38 to go before they ran out of gas.

GSW made 13 of a season-high 31 three-point attempts, but still couldn’t keep up with Lander. The Bearcats hit 13 three-pointers on fewer attempts. Lander controlled the boards as well, outrebounding the Hurricanes 40-21. The Hurricanes recorded 11 defensive rebounds, the fewest they’ve had in a game this season.

Andre Statam led the hurricanes in scoring with 22 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Statam went 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and went 5-for-5 from the foul line. It’s the sixth time Statam has scored 20 or more points this season. R.J. Sessions also scored 20 points and dished out four assists. John Mason scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds in the losing cause.

Sidney Robinson ked the Bearcats with 28 points.

GSW returns home on Wednesday, February 14, to take on Flagler College (8-14, 5-13). Tip-off is scheduled at 7:30 p.m.