GCSU men’s basketball earned its ninth Peach Belt win this season with an 86-76 decision over Augusta University at GCSU’s Centennial Center in Milledgeville. The game featured 11 lead changes, with the score being tied six times through the game.
“Every game is so different, and I’m just trying to get [us] a win,” said guard Khalil Green. “Scoring tonight was the best way to get the team a win.”
The Bobcats were led by Green, who scored 31 points, just two shy of his career high. Green also logged seven rebounds, three assists, and 13 points from the free throw line.
“Really intense game,” said GCSU head coach Ryan Aquino. “I thought [we] fought hard tonight, coming off a whooping last game. Really happy with how they battled tonight.”
GCSU guard C.J. Jones added 21 points, including a pair of back-to-back three-pointers to give the Bobcats a secondhalf lead. Forward Tony Carpio added 21 points and grabbed six rebounds.
Augusta led 39-37 at halftime, as GCSU trailed by as many as 11 points. The tale of the comeback in the second half came from the Bobcats shooting from the free throw line.
GCSU got to the free throw line 19 times in the first half, and they were able to make 14 of the 19 (74%). In the second half, the Bobcats got to the free throw line 21 times, making 18 (85%) of those attempts.
“Khalil Green showcased his full potential tonight”, said student Parker Smith. “Cool to see a win at home again, especially the way it happened.”
The Bobcats’ defense was on full display, forcing Augusta to turn the ball over 17 times, which led to 21 points for GCSU.
With this win, the Bobcats moved to 9-5 (fourth place) in Peach Belt Conference play, with only six conference games left until the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.