MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Deshona Gaither scored 25 points to lead Georgia College & State University past the University of North Georgia in a Peach Belt Conference women's basketball matchup Wednesday (Feb. 18) evening at the Centennial Center.
The Bobcats improved to 9-16 overall and 5-12 in conference play, while the Nighthawks fell to 16-11 overall and 11-6 in the Peach Belt. GCSU returns to the Centennial Center Saturday (Feb. 21) afternoon to host Georgia Southwestern State University for the Homecoming game, as well as the last home game of the season.
The Nighthawks led 17-14 after the first quarter and carried a 32-28 advantage going into halftime. North Georgia extended its lead to 51-44 at the end of the third, but the Bobcats responded with a 23-point fourth quarter to complete the comeback.
Deshona Gaither led GCSU with a game-high 25 points, including an 8-for-9 performance at the free-throw line.
Nylah Nuri added 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, while
Natalia Bolden chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds. Freshman
Caroline Beavin added 11, knocking down three 3-pointers in the final period.
A three pointer from Gaither tied the game at 54-54 halfway through the fourth quarter, and Beavin gave the Bobcats the lead with a triple at the 3:10 mark. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and Jaleah Storr tied the game at 65 with five seconds on the clock.
A late foul by the Nighthawks sent Gaither to the free throw line with 0.6 seconds left, and she knocked down both free throws to secure the win.
About GCSU Athletics
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six 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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