By Chris Whitaker, The Americus Times-Recorder

ALBANY -- Albany State used a 33-10 run over the final 12 minutes of the first half to go on to a 76-66 win against Georgia Southwestern Saturday night.

Marcus Scott led the 'Canes with 18 points. Anthony Sargent scored 15 points and Rick Russell posted a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, but defense and turnovers plagued the Hurricanes.

Albany State (1-0) shot 50 percent for the game, and GSW (2-1) had 28 turnovers. GSW led 19-10 early before the Rams went on their big run.

"These are things we haven't done from day one in practice, and until that changes, it's going to be difficult to go on the road and win games," said GSW coach Mike Leeder. "We didn't shoot well. It was just not a very good night."

The Rams led 43-29 at the half, but GSW closed the gap to within six on several occasions during the second half. Leeder said that's when the turnovers hurt the Hurricanes most.

"We just didn't handle the pressure well," he said. "It was our inability to execute against the three-quarter press. We don't press, so it's hard to simulate. We didn't value the ball like we needed to, and that's a tough combination on the road."

Chris Rawls missed his second game of the year with a hamstring injury. But even without him, the Hurricanes held a 38-28 rebounding edge.

GSW will be back in action on Saturday at Lincoln Memorial.

PICTURED: Marcus Scott

PHOTO BY: Chris Fenn