AIKEN, S.C. — The Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Wednesday night, knocking off the University of South Carolina Aiken 92-76 in Peach Belt Conference action to secure just its third win in 16 all-time visits to the Convocation Center.
The victory snapped a stretch in which the Pacers had won eight of the last nine meetings, marking only the fifth win all-time for GSW in 31 games against USC Aiken.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Georgia Southwestern wasted no time establishing control, opening the game on a 12–0 run behind aggressive defense and efficient shot-making. The Hurricanes connected on their first four field goals force an early USCA timeout less than three minutes in.
Amir Reaves sparked the early surge with back-to-back transition layups, while
Markel Freeman and
Matthew Webster knocked down early threes to stretch the lead.
Offensive Clinic in the First Half
The Hurricanes put together one of their sharpest halves of the season, shooting 61.3 percent from the floor and 60 percent from three in the opening 20 minutes. Georgia Southwestern built its lead to as many as 18 points before halftime and went into the break up 53-36.
Reaves poured in 15 first-half points, while
Deonte Williams added 12 and Freeman chipped in 10 as GSW scored on both sides of the ball, tallying 13 assists and four steals in the first half alone.
Depth and Defense Keep USCA at Bay
USC Aiken found more rhythm offensively in the second half, but Georgia Southwestern never allowed the Pacers to seriously threaten. Each time USCA trimmed the margin, the Hurricanes answered with timely baskets or defensive stops.
Keshawn Brown Jr. provided a spark off the bench with 11 points, while
Rafael Rubel and
JR Jacobs helped anchor a defense that matched its second-highest steal total of the season.
Numbers Tell the Story
Georgia Southwestern finished the night shooting 55.6 percent from the field — the sixth time this season the Hurricanes have topped the 50-percent mark — and 41.4 percent from three, marking the 10th game this year shooting better than 40 percent from beyond the arc.
GSW also matched its second-highest assist total (21) and steal total (10) of the season, showcasing balanced offense and active defense throughout.
Reaves Leads Balanced Attack
Reaves led all scorers with 24 points, shooting 9-of-14 from the floor while adding six assists. Williams followed with 17 points, Freeman scored 13, and Webster added 10.
Six Hurricanes scored at least seven points as GSW finished with 22 bench points, never trailed and led for 39:55 of the game.
Next Up
Georgia Southwestern improves to 12-6 overall, already topping its win total from a year ago, and 5-5 in Peach Belt play, continuing conference action this weekend with a trip to Cochran, Ga., to play Middle Georgia State University.
