COCHRAN, Ga. — The Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team turned in one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, shooting a season-best 59 percent from the floor and rolling past Middle Georgia State University, 92-71, in Peach Belt Conference action at Morris Gym.
JR Jacobs etched his name into the program record book with the first 20-point, 10-assist double-double of the Hurricanes NCAA era, finishing with 20 points and a career-high 11 assists as GSW (13-6, 6-5 PBC) completed the regular-season sweep of Peach Belt newcomer Middle Georgia (7-11, 3-8 PBC).
GSW matched its lowest three-point attempt total of the season (18) while still knocking down nine from deep and posted 21 assists for the second straight game, the second-highest total by the Hurricanes this year.
Efficient Offense Sets the Tone Early
Georgia Southwestern wasted little time finding its rhythm, opening the game shooting over 58 percent in the first half while building a steady cushion. Jacobs orchestrated the offense from the opening tip, repeatedly finding teammates in transition and on back cuts as the Hurricanes pushed the pace.
The Hurricanes led for more than 18 minutes in the opening half and carried a 43-38 advantage into the break after shooting 18-for-31 from the floor. Despite Middle Georgia's efforts to stay within striking distance, GSW's balance and ball movement kept the Knights from gaining momentum.
Second-Half Surge Puts Game Out of Reach
Any hopes of a Middle Georgia comeback were quickly erased after halftime as Georgia Southwestern opened the second half on a decisive run. The Hurricanes stretched the lead to double digits inside the first two minutes and never looked back, shooting 60 percent in the final 20 minutes.
GSW's lead ballooned to as many as 22 points, fueled by crisp ball movement, strong interior play, and timely perimeter shooting. The Hurricanes assisted on 12 of their 18 second-half field goals, continuing a trend of efficient offensive execution.
Jacobs Leads Balanced Attack
Jacobs' milestone performance anchored a balanced scoring effort that saw five Hurricanes score at least 11 points.
Amir Reaves and
Markel Freeman each added 15 points, with Freeman knocking down three triples.
Keshawn Brown Jr. chipped in 19 points off the bench, including four three-pointers, while
Deonte Williams contributed 11 points and four assists.
GSW finished with 50 points in the paint, 17 fast-break points, and committed just eight turnovers, one shy of its season low.
What It Means
The win marked Georgia Southwestern's second victory of the season over Middle Georgia and its first series sweep of the Knights as a Peach Belt member. The Hurricanes have now posted back-to-back games with 21 assists and continue to trend upward offensively as conference play intensifies.
Next Up
Georgia Southwestern returns home for a pair of games in the Storm Dome next week, starting with Flagler College on Wednesday at 7:45 p.m.
