MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Deshona Gaither,
Elizabeth Wynn and
Natalia Bolden all scored in double figures to lead Georgia College & State University past No. 18 Columbus State University 70-68 in a Peach Belt Conference women's basketball game Wednesday (Jan. 14) evening at the Centennial Center. The win marked GCSU's first victory over a nationally ranked opponent since it defeated No. 5 North Georgia on Feb. 5, 2025 in Dahlonega.
The Bobcats improved to 6-10 overall and 2-6 in Peach Belt play, while the Cougars fell to just 12-3 overall and 6-2 in conference. GCSU returns to the Centennial Center Saturday (Jan. 17) afternoon to host Flagler College at 1:30 p.m.
Columbus State opened the scoring on a pair of free throws from Nekaya Williams, but the Bobcats answered with 13 straight points. GCSU maintained control throughout the opening quarter, holding a 20-10 lead going into the second period.
The Bobcats extended their lead early in the second quarter, but the Cougars refused to lay down, cutting the deficit to just three points with one minute remaining in the half. GCSU led by five going to the break.
The teams traded baskets throughout the second half. CSU cut the margin to one point on a free throw from Jamilah Jackson with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. A Cougars layup tied the game at 66 with 1:56 remaining, marking just the second tie of the game.
Wynn answered with a layup, and free throws from Nuri and Gaither sealed the win for the Bobcats.
GCSU set a single-game program with 35 made free throws, and tied the record with 47 free throw attempts.
Gaither led the Bobcats in scoring with 18 points, and
Elizabeth Wynn and
Natalia Bolden poured in 11 each. Bolden led the rebounding surge with 14 and
Nylah Nuri grabbed 11 of her own.
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
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