Sedale McGee-Jones sank the game-winning 3-pointer with 5.3
seconds left as GSW upset Clayton State, 85-83 on Wednesday night
in Morrow, Ga. The Lakers were ranked in the top 20 last week, and
it's the Hurricanes second win in three years at CSU.
"This is a wonderful win and couldn't come at a better time,"
said coach Mike Leeder. "I think anytime you go on the road and win
in any league is big - especially when you beat a team that was
ranked last week, who went to the NCAA tournament last year and the
defending conference champions. We proved tonight we can play with
anybody in this league."
Neither team led by more than four points in the second half,
and Clayton State (9-3, 2-3 PBC) had to tie the game to send it
into overtime.
GSW's Chris Rawls' 3-point play gave the Hurricanes (6-7, 2-4)
an 82-81 before the Lakers retook the lead. After GSW turned it
over, Clayton gave the ball right back with 26 seconds left. Leeder
said the plan was to hold for the last shot all the way.
They ran the same play that ended with a Rick Russell miss at
the end of regulation, but this time it was McGee-Jones making the
clutch shot. The made 3-pointer was the team's only one after
halftime.
"It's a great play, and it shows a lot about his character,"
said Leeder. "He fought through suspensions and growing pains, and
he was ready when his name was called. He deserved something good
to happen to him."
Freddie Williams' last-second 15-footer missed, giving GSW its
second conference win. Williams finished with 27 points to lead all
scorers.
McGee-Jones finished with 14 points for Southwestern. Anthony
Sargent had 21, Rawls had 17 with nine rebounds and Marcus
Scott scored 16. It was Rawls fifth straight
game with 16 or more points and eight or more
rebounds.
Both teams shot 47 percent, 17 assists and 12 turnovers.
GSW is back at home for six of its next seven games against UNC
Pembroke at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Saturday's game is the second annual "Pack the Stands
Day." The campus organization with the most participation
will receive a grand prize from RHA and CAB. It will also be
Hurricane Reading Club Day. Area elementary students who met
their reading goals received two tickets to the women's and men's
games and will be recognized at halftime of the men's contest.
PICTURED: Anthony Sargent
PHOTO BY: Chris Fenn