>> GEORGIA COLLEGE
Georgia College & State University Men’s Basketball kept it close through 40 minutes of play with the University of Georgia before taking a 66-52 loss.
The Bobcats opened their season in Stegeman Coliseum in Athens to take on division one UGA. This was the first time since the 1992-93 season that the two teams have squared off and only the second time in history. The last contest ended in a 104-66 loss for GCSU.
The GCSU offense came ready to play as they nearly matched the Dawg’s 33 firsthalf points with 27 of their own. The Bobcats and the Dawgs were knotted up for a good chunk of the first 20 minutes of play. Early in that first half, the GCSU offense was able to take a four-point lead. Entering halftime was the largest score deficit for the blue and green so far in the game as they trailed by five.
The UGA offense looked to hang some more points on the Bobcats coming out of the half, which happened early to give them a 10-point advantage. GCSU clawed their way back into the game with nine minutes left to bringing the game to a two-point game trailing 49-47.
Through two halves of play, the long Bobcat forwards made their presence known under both baskets, out rebounding UGA 35-33. GCSU was able to keep the ball in their possession and shoot for several secondchance baskets as they nabbed 16 offensive rebounds. They also put in the work on the opposite side of the floor, eliminating the second-chance ball for the Dawgs 19 times.
The Bobcats redshirt senior Christian Koneman led the team in two categories, being only one rebound away from a double-double to open the season. He swished 22 points and nabbed nine rebounds, six of which prevented secondchance attempts by the Dawgs. Evans native Richard Crawford III was the second-leading scorer for GCSU, knocking in eight points. Koneman and Crawford accounted for 30 of the 52 points scored by the Bobcats.
First-year head coach Ryan Aquino was glad to get the first game under his belt. He mentioned that he thought the team looked really good and said they played well against a good team.
The Bobcats are back in action Friday, Nov. 11 in Tigerville, S.C. to take on North Greenville for their tournament. Tipoff between the host team and GCSU is set for 3 p.m. with live stats and broadcast links available at GCBobcats.com