GREENWOOD, S.C. | Freshman
Caroline Beavin scored 19 points to help the Georgia College & State University women's basketball team defeated Lander University 55-51 in a Peach Belt Conference matchup Wednesday (Feb. 25) evening at the Finis Horne Arena to complete the sweep.
The Bobcats improved to 11-16 overall and 7-12 in conference play, while the Bearcats fell to 9-17 overall and 7-12 in the Peach Belt as well. GCSU returns to action Saturday (Feb. 28) afternoon to play Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla. for their last regular season game.
The Bobcats started the game setting the tone defensively, limiting Lander to only two field goals in the opening quarter. GCSU held an 11-7 advantage at the end of the first.
The game tightened in the second quarter as Lander started to find their rhythm. A few three pointers from
Caroline Beavin and
Nylah Nuri helped the Bobcats stretch their lead. Both teams scored 16 points this quarter, but the Bobcats still held a four-point lead at the break.
Lander came out aggressive in the third period, but the Bobcats fought back with balanced scoring and a good defensive effort. GCSU went 12-of-14 from the free throw line, extending their lead from one point to as many as eight going into the final quarter.
Lander was able to cut the lead to just four points with under a minute left to play, but the Bobcats made some big defensive stops down the stretch to secure the sweep of the Bearcats.
Natalia Bolden finished with 10 points and nine rebounds, and Nuri also added 10 points.
GCSU shot 50 percent from the three-point line, making 9-of-18 while holding Lander to 26.6 percent shooting from the field.
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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