AMERICUS, Ga. — The Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team never trailed during regulation, but Flagler College erased two deficits with last-second three-pointers before landing the final blow with four seconds remaining in double overtime to escape the Storm Dome with a 72-70 Peach Belt Conference win Wednesday evening.
Flagler tied the game with 0.5 seconds left in regulation, did it again with 0.5 seconds remaining in the first overtime, then took its first lead of the night in the second overtime and finished with its largest lead of the game on a go-ahead three with four seconds left in the second overtime.
The loss snapped a dramatic contest that marked the first overtime meeting between the programs during GSW's NCAA era and extended Flagler's recent edge in the series, as the Saints have now won four of the last five against the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes Control Early, Build First-Half Cushion
Georgia Southwestern set the tone from the opening tip, scoring the game's first seven points and holding Flagler scoreless for the opening four minutes. The Hurricanes used early ball pressure and activity on the glass to build a 24-21 halftime lead, despite neither team finding much rhythm offensively.
GSW held Flagler without a free throw make in the first half and spent nearly the entire opening 20 minutes with the lead, taking a 24-13 advantage at the 3:36 mark before the Saints closed the gap late.
Back-and-Forth Second Half Sets Up Dramatic Finish
The Hurricanes maintained control throughout the second half, pushing the lead to as many as 12 points and continuing to dictate pace. Flagler countered with timely shooting, trimming the margin possession by possession while GSW stayed in front through interior scoring and second-chance opportunities.
Flagler finally pulled even in the closing seconds, burying a game-tying three with one second left to force overtime after Georgia Southwestern had led for over 39 minutes of regulation.
Overtime Turns into a 3-Point Duel
The drama only escalated in overtime.
GSW appeared poised to close the door in the first extra period, but once again Flagler answered at the horn, knocking down another three-pointer with 0.5 seconds remaining to extend the game into a second overtime.
In the final five minutes, neither team led by more than two possessions. After
JR Jacobs gave the Hurricanes a 70-69 edge with 18 seconds left, Flagler responded one final time, drilling the decisive three with four seconds remaining — for its largest lead of the night.
Georgia Southwestern's final look came up empty as Flagler completed the improbable comeback.
Webster, Freeman Lead GSW Effort
Matthew Webster led the Hurricanes with 19 points and 13 rebounds, posting his first double-double with GSW while anchoring the interior for 36 minutes.
Markel Freeman followed with 18 points, while
JR Jacobs and
Amir Reaves added 13 points apiece.
GSW finished with advantages in rebounds (53-50), points in the paint (38-32), and points off turnovers (19-9), but Flagler's 12 three-pointers, including three across the overtime periods, proved decisive.
What It Means
Georgia Southwestern led for 93.6 percent of the game, yet fell to 6-6 in Peach Belt play as Flagler improved to 7-5 in the conference. The Hurricanes will look to regroup quickly as league play continues, carrying positives from a gritty defensive effort and extended control — while learning from a finish defined by timely perimeter shooting.
Next Up
GSW hosts Augusta University on Saturday at 7:45 p.m.
