MORROW, Ga. – Georgia Southwestern never trailed Wednesday night, using pace, balance, and defensive pressure to secure a convincing 91-66 Peach Belt Conference victory over Clayton State University at The Loch.
The Hurricanes improved to 15-7 overall and 8-6 in league play, extending their winning streak in the series to 12 straight games against the Lakers.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
GSW wasted little time asserting control, scoring on its first possession and pushing the tempo from the opening tip. The Hurricanes shot over 50 percent in the first half and forced Clayton State into early turnovers, turning defense into offense with consistent fast-break opportunities.
The Hurricanes led 46-25 at the break after holding the Lakers to 29 percent shooting in the opening 20 minutes, while piling up 31 fast-break points for the game.
Brown Jr. Sparks the Offense
Keshawn Brown Jr. delivered one of the most efficient performances of his career, pouring in a career-high 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Brown Jr. scored at all three levels and repeatedly stretched the defense during a second-half run that ballooned the Hurricanes' lead to as many as 28.
Rafael Rubel added 17 points, while
Amir Reaves matched that total with 17 points of his own to give Georgia Southwestern three players in double figures off a deep rotation.
Webster Does It All
Matthew Webster continued his strong all-around play, posting his second double-double in the last three games with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while also dishing out a season-high six assists.
Webster anchored the paint on both ends, helping the Hurricanes finish with a 40-28 edge in points in the paint and a 21-10 advantage in assists.
Depth, Defense Seal It
Georgia Southwestern's bench played a key role in sustaining the pressure, outscoring Clayton State's reserves 45-10. The Hurricanes finished the night shooting 54.7 percent from the floor and 44.0 percent from three-point range, while committing just nine turnovers.
Defensively, GSW limited Clayton State to 40.6 percent shooting and controlled the tempo throughout, leading for 39:14 of game time in a wire-to-wire performance.
Next Up
The Hurricanes have the weekend off to prepare for next Wednesday's Senior Night showdown in the Storm Dome against the University of North Georgia at 7:45 p.m.
