VALDOSTA, Ga. — Georgia Southwestern earned one of the program's most meaningful early-season victories on Wednesday night, going on the road and taking down Valdosta State University, 74-71, inside The Complex. The win marks just the second GSW triumph at VSU during the program's NCAA era and the first since 2011.
The Hurricanes (1-2) were sharp from the opening tip and never blinked through Valdosta State's furious fourth-quarter rally, delivering their most complete offensive performance of the young season.
Neal Dominates With Double-Double in Collegiate Debut
Kassidy Neal was unstoppable off the bench, turning in the Hurricanes' first double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds - and doing it with absolute efficiency. The freshman was a perfect 8-for-8 from the field and on the boards she grabbed a pair of critical offensive rebounds late.
Her three-pointer in the third quarter pushed GSW to its largest lead of the night, and her interior scoring repeatedly broke VSU's defensive pressure in key stretches.
Johnson Delivers First 20-Point Game of the Season
Janiya Johnson matched Neal's production punch with a game-high 20 points, becoming the first Hurricane this season to cross the 20-point mark. She shot 8-for-17 from the field, buried three three-pointers, and delivered a dagger triple with 1:24 left to put GSW ahead 72-68.
She added four rebounds, four assists, and four steals in a complete two-way outing.
Balanced, Efficient Offense Carries the Night
GSW's shooting numbers were season-best across the board:
- 51.8% from the field (29-for-56)
- 42.9% from three (9-for-21)
- 40 bench points
- 21 points off turnovers
Madison Brittle (15 points, 3 3-pointers) and
Tiara Hozumi (8 assists, team-high) helped the Hurricanes control the tempo for three quarters and beat VSU's traps with disciplined passing.
GSW led 53-39 entering the fourth and answered each Valdosta State push with a steady response - first through Neal's baskets inside, and then Johnson's late-game shot making.
Ray'ven Robinson sealed the win at the free-throw line, knocking down two clutch free throws with eight seconds left to extend the lead to four.
Valdosta State (2-1) was led by Aryana Hicks' 18 points.
Next Up
GSW plays for its home opener on Saturday at 1 p.m. against the University of Fort Lauderdale.
