AMERICUS, Ga. -- Junior guard
JR Jacobs delivered the biggest shot of the young season, burying a pull-up jumper with two seconds remaining to lift the Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team past the University of Montevallo, 74-73, on Saturday afternoon inside the Storm Dome. The Hurricanes improved to 4-0, marking their best start in six years.
The matchup featured nine ties, 10 lead changes, and a second half that swung back and forth until the final possession. GSW trailed 73-72 after two Montevallo free throws with 25 seconds remaining, setting up a final chance for the Hurricanes to win it.
Jacobs took the ball on the left wing, created separation inside the arc, and calmly knocked down the fadeaway go-ahead jumper - his team-high 21st point - sending the Storm Dome into a roar.
Hurricanes and Falcons Trade Punches All Night
The teams played to a 33-33 tie at halftime, and neither led by more than 10 in a game defined by toughness on the glass and offensive responses to every run. Montevallo's Bryant James (17 points) and Derek Moore (17 points) kept the Falcons in it with efficient shooting, while GSW countered with scoring from every level of its lineup.
Jacobs led the charge with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-7 from deep. He hit timely threes, scored in transition, and provided the poise GSW needed in the closing moments.
Reaves, Freeman, Brown Jr. Spark Offense
Newcomer
Amir Reaves posted another strong showing with 15 points and eight rebounds, flashing his ability to score inside and out.
Junior
Markel Freeman added 11 points and four assists, including a pair of key transition finishes during GSW's early second-half burst that pushed the Hurricanes ahead.
Junior
Keshawn Brown Jr. came off the bench with nine points, drilling three triples - two during a stretch where GSW created just enough breathing room before Montevallo countered.
Freshman
Matthew Webster gave crucial minutes on the interior with seven points and seven rebounds, while
Deonte Williams was again everywhere defensively, picking up eight boards, four assists, and three steals.
Defensive Stops Seal It Late
Montevallo used a late 7-0 spurt to tie the game at 69-69 with three minutes left, but the Hurricanes responded with a Rivera dunk, two Jacobs buckets, and a final defensive stand on the last possession to hold on.
GSW finished shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 11-for-32 from three, while falling a rebound shy of Montevallo 39-38 in a physical contest that saw both teams attack the paint. The GSW bench contributed 15 key points, and the Hurricanes scored 12 fast-break points to Montevallo's seven.
A 4-0 Start With Momentum Building
The win gives Georgia Southwestern its best opening to a season since the 2019-20 campaign, a testament to the team's depth, balance, and clutch play through the first four games.
Next Up
The Hurricanes play their second game of a four-game homestand Monday night at 7:30 p.m. against Auburn Montgomery.
