FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2-6-06

Women's College Basketball: GC&SU 63, AASU 62

Release Courtesty of GC&SU Sports Information

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Lindsey Smith hit a free throw with 3.1 seconds remaining to give the Georgia College & State University Lady Bobcats a thrilling 63-62 victory over Armstrong Atlantic State University Monday night in the Centennial Center. Smith hit one out of two foul shots after being fouled in the final seconds to give GC&SU (12-9, 7-7 PBC) its third straight win, while AASU (11-10, 6-8 PBC) sees its three game win streak snapped.

The first half saw both teams go on a series of runs. GC&SU opened the game on an 8-0 run, but Armstrong Atlantic State answered with a 9-8 run to take a one point lead. The Lady Bobcats would answer with a 7-0 run to reclaim the advantage and later used a 10-0 run capped by a jumper from Jessica Powers to take their largest lead at 27-14 with 6:19 to play. The Lady Pirates got back into it with back to back three pointers a few moments later by Audosha Kelley and Ashley Duhart. GC&SU would settle for a 35-29 lead at the intermission. Kelley led all scorers with 16 points at the break. GC&SU shot 43.3% (13-30) from the floor in the first half, while AASU shot only 29% (9-31), but the Lady Pirates hit six three pointers in the frame.

Armstrong Atlantic State torched the nets to start the second half, opening the frame on a 12-0 run to take a 41-35 lead. The advantage would swing back and forth the rest of the way. With the score knotted at 62-all and 33 seconds to play, the Lady Pirates committed a costly turnover. The Lady Bobcats wound the clock down and Smith was fouled by AASU’s Kaneetha Gordon. Smith missed the first charity toss but made the second, and the Lady Pirates were unable to get a shot off before the buzzer sounded.

LaWanna Leon led GC&SU with 16 points, while Smith finished with 13 points, five assists and five steals. Shanice Dawson provided a boost off the bench for GC&SU with 13 points as well. Kelley led AASU with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Alicia Durham added 10 points in the loss. The Lady Pirates out-rebounded the Lady Bobcats 43-35, but they committed 21 turnovers and shot 35% (21-60) for the game. GC&SU shot 40% (22-55) for the game.

AASU returns to action on Wednesday as the Lady Pirates visit Francis Marion for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff. GC&SU travels to North Carolina on Wednesday to take on UNC Pembroke. The Lady Bobcats tip-off the doubleheader at 5:30 p.m.

-Pirates-