MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Zyair Greene, James Nichols III, and Khalil Green knocked down 61 points as Georgia College & State University fell to Lander University 88-86 in overtime of a Peach Belt Conference matinee Saturday (Jan. 18) afternoon inside the Centennial Center.
The Bobcats dropped their sixth game - four have been decided by three points or less - in a row, falling to an overall record of 5-11 and 0-6 in conference play, while the Bearcats improved to 10-6 and 4-2. GCSU looks to snap its streak Wednesday (Jan. 22) when they host Clayton State University Wednesday (Jan. 22) at 7:30 p.m.
The first half went back and forth between the two teams before the Bearcats used a 15-6 run finished off with a three-pointer by Noah Dunn to take a 34-26 lead with 4:34 before halftime. GCSU would shave down the lead in the final few moments, with Greene throwing a layup into the bucket, and a last-second dunk by Nichols would keep the deficit at seven (39-32) at the half.
The Bobcats would spend the first portion of the second half whittling down the Bearcats' lead, with a three-pointer by Oscar Lynch finishing the job, giving the Bobcats a one-point lead (52-51) with 11:10 left in regulation. However, Lander would answer with a 17-8 run to open up a 68-60 lead with 5:10 to go. The Bobcats battled back and sent the game into overtime at 77 when Greene knocked in a three-pointer from the top of the key with 13 seconds remaining.
Overtime would open up in GCSU's favor, with Mason Etter knocking in a three-pointer; however, Lander would open up an 85-81 lead with 2:32 remaining. A Lynch layup and a Greene three-pointer pulled the Bobcats within a point (87-86) with 29 seconds left. With the game sitting at 87-86 in favor of the Bearcats. A Dunn free throw 13 seconds later pushed the Lander lead to two points (88-86), but Greene's attempt from the corner came up short at the buzzer.
Greene led the Bobcats with 26 points, while Nichols and Green scored 18 and 17, respectively. Aidan Kudlas tossed in nine points. Tony Carpio led the Bobcats in rebounds with seven, while Greene grabbed six. Nichols and Green also pulled down five boards apiece.
About GCSU Athletics
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for four consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won five consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence, and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life." Sign up at @GCSUBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports or subscribe to the GSCU Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with GCSU Athletics.
