AMERICUS, Ga. — Junior
Ray'ven Robinson delivered a commanding 23-point performance Wednesday night as Georgia Southwestern extended its winning streak to five games, powering past Middle Georgia State, 77-67, inside the Storm Dome to open Peach Belt Conference play.
The Hurricanes (5-2, 1-0 PBC) surged in the second half behind efficient shooting, sharp ball movement, and a fourth-quarter defensive stand that held the Knights to just seven points over the final 10 minutes.
Back-and-Forth First Half
The opening two quarters featured nine lead changes and five ties, with neither team able to create separation. Robinson kept GSW steady early, scoring nine first-half points, while
Janiya Johnson and
Madison Brittle knocked down timely threes to keep the Hurricanes within reach despite the Knights shooting over 40 percent before the break.
Middle Georgia held a narrow 40-33 advantage late in the second quarter before a GSW push trimmed the deficit to 40-33 at halftime.
Third-Quarter Spark
The Hurricanes came out of the locker room with a different energy. Robinson and
Kassidy Neal ignited a 23-point third quarter that swung the momentum firmly toward the Blue & Gold.
Brittle drilled a corner three, Johnson added another from the wing, and Neal delivered one of the game's biggest moments — stepping into a rhythm three that gave GSW its first lead since the opening minutes, part of her nine-point, nine-rebound night.
Brittle was superb throughout, finishing with 16 points, a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, five assists, and only one foul in 33 minutes.
Closing the Door
Holding a 56-55 lead entering the fourth, GSW ramped up the pressure defensively and immediately created separation.
Robinson attacked relentlessly, scoring or assisting on 11 of GSW's first 15 points in the quarter. Johnson added another clutch three, and Neal powered through traffic for a key put-back as the Hurricanes erupted for 21 fourth-quarter points.
GSW held Middle Georgia to 3-for-17 shooting in the period, flipping a one-point nail-biter into a double-digit celebration inside the Dome.
Efficiency Everywhere
The Hurricanes delivered one of their most complete offensive nights of the season:
- 51.0% shooting, their fifth consecutive game over 50%
- A blistering 45.8% from three (11-for-24), their best showing this season
- Only 16 points allowed off turnovers after halftime
- Held the Knights to 7 fourth-quarter points, their fewest allowed in any quarter this season
Robinson's final line — 23 points, 3 assists, and 7-for-10 from the free throw line — capped yet another standout performance from the junior, who has now scored 12+ points in six of GSW's seven games.
Shane' Jackson continued her strong stretch with 12 points and five rebounds, while Johnson added 11 points, three steals, and her usual backcourt command.
Next Up
GSW has a pair of road games on the horizon with trips to Augusta University on Saturday and Flagler College on Wednesday.
