MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | James Nichols III and C.J. Jones combined for 36 points as Georgia College & State University opened up Peach Belt Conference men's basketball with a 91-63 decision over Clayton State University Wednesday (Dec. 3) evening in the Centennial Center.

The Bobcats won their third consecutive game as they improved to 4-2 overall and to 1-0 in the Peach Belt, while the Lakers remained winless in seven tries. GCSU returns to action Tuesday (Dec. 9) with a 7:30 p.m. league contest at home against the newest PBC member Middle Georgia State University.

After Joe Thomas sank a three-pointer for the Lakers to get within two points (13-11) with 14:33, the Bobcats, who never trailed in the game, went on a 17-4 run to break open the game at 30-15 on a Nichols layup with 8:30 to go. Nichols scored seven of his team-high 20 points during the decisive run, while Jones accounted for five of his 16 points.

Behind 57.6 percent shooting (19-of-33) from the field in the opening 20 minutes took a 50-23 lead at the half. GCSU took its largest lead of the game - 30 points (71-41) on a Julian Walker putback with 11:58 left in the game.

GCSU, which shot 54.5 percent (36-of-66) from the field and 50 percent (9-of-18) from long distance, saw 13 different players in the scoring column.  Nichols went 8-of-9 from the field, while Jones went 6-of-10, including 4-of-6 from three-point land. Khalil Green, Walker, and Devin McClain each added eight points. The Bobcats nearly doubled the Lakers in rebounds 46-27 and had six different players with at least four rebounds. GCSU registered 23 assists, which Jones collecting five and Nichols four.



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.  Read Full Article