The South Georgia State College Hawks took advantage of clutch shooting in the second half to defeat the first place Georgia Highlands Chargers 89-84 Wednesday night.
The Hawks led by as many as nine points in the first half and took a 38-33 lead into the locker room. Building the lead was a struggle in the first 20 minutes, though, as the Hawks (12-12-1, 4-6-1) shot 38.5 percent from the field and didn’t make a three-point shot. Georgia Highlands couldn’t find the basket, either, shooting 31.6 percent from the field. The first half difference was at the free throw line where the Hawks shot 72.7 percent.
SGSC’s offense found its spark in the second half, shooting 58.1 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from the three-point line. The Hawks kept Georgia Highlands in check defensively, holding the Chargers to 37.8 percent shooting in the second half.
The play of the game came with 1:04 remaining in regulation and SGSC leading 81-72. Luke Lawson was caught in a defensive trap when he tossed the ball over his head to Dwayne Wilson who was standing alone under the basket. Wilson’s dunk electrified the home crowd and the Hawks bench, giving SGSC the momentum to hold on for the win.
Four Hawks scored in double digits. Keyshaun Street led the Hawks with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Skyler Baggs and Wilson each finished with 15 points, and Charles Botchway had 10 points to round out the top scorers.
SGSC travels to South Georgia Tech next Wednesday and will return home Saturday, Feb. 23 to play Southern Crescent Tech. Tip for the Feb. 23 game is set for 4 p.m.
General admission to all regular season home games is five dollars with children five and under admitted free.