MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – A fourth-quarter lead and a brief advantage in overtime weren't enough Saturday afternoon as Georgia Southwestern dropped a 65-60 decision to Georgia College in Peach Belt Conference action at the Centennial Center.
In front of 2,659 fans on the Bobcats' homecoming, GSW (10-15, 6-12 PBC) battled through 45 minutes in a game that featured seven ties and four lead changes. But late free throws and second-chance opportunities allowed Georgia College (10-16, 6-12 PBC) to complete the season sweep and claim the critical tiebreaker in the race for the final conference tournament spot.
Robinson, Neal Power the Offense
Ray'ven Robinson delivered one of her strongest performances of the season, pouring in 23 points — the sixth time this year she has eclipsed the 20-point mark. The junior added seven steals and played 40 minutes in a relentless two-way effort.
Freshman
Kassidy Neal matched that spark, scoring 20 points on 9-of-17 shooting while pulling down nine rebounds. It marked the second 20-point performance of her young collegiate career.
GSW scored 42 of its 60 points in the paint and received 26 points from the bench, controlling the interior for much of the afternoon.
Trading Runs Through Four Quarters
The Hurricanes trailed 9-6 after the opening quarter but found rhythm in the second. Robinson scored eight in the period as GSW built a three-point halftime advantage, 22-19.
The third quarter swung momentum back to the Bobcats. Georgia College capitalized at the free throw line, going 10-of-11 in the frame to carry a 41-38 edge into the fourth.
GSW responded behind Neal and
Hannah Simmons, who knocked down a pair of timely three-pointers. Robinson's layup and free throw at the 3:00 mark gave the Hurricanes their largest lead of the day at 55-50.
But Georgia College answered.
A late tip-in tied the game at 55 with 28 seconds remaining, and Neal's potential game-winner at the buzzer rolled off, sending the contest into overtime.
Overtime Turns on Free Throws
Neal gave GSW a 56-55 edge early in overtime, but the Bobcats controlled the final minutes.
Georgia College scored six of the next eight points and went 4-for-4 from the free throw line in the final seconds to seal the win. The Hurricanes, who shot just 2-of-19 (10.5%) from three-point range, were unable to find a late equalizer.
The Bobcats finished 19-of-24 (79.2%) from the stripe compared to GSW's 10-of-15 (66.7%), a decisive margin in a five-point overtime game.
Defensive Pressure, Missed Opportunities
GSW forced 22 turnovers and collected 17 steals, continuing its defensive activity on the perimeter.
But Georgia College owned the glass, 44-36, including 35 defensive rebounds that limited second-chance opportunities late. The Hurricanes assisted on just 10 baskets and finished at 34.8 percent from the floor.
What It Means
With the loss, Georgia Southwestern has dropped three straight and six of its last seven contests.
The Hurricanes are now tied with Georgia College for eighth place — the final qualifying spot for the Peach Belt Conference Tournament — with two games remaining. However, the Bobcats hold the tiebreaker after winning both meetings this season.
Next Up
The Lady Hurricanes return to the Storm Dome for their home finale on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. against the University of South Carolina Aiken. The Pacers are a game back of GSW and currently in last place in the PBC.
