The South Georgia State College Hawks battled through a first half scoring drought to defeat the South Georgia Tech Jets 68-57 Thursday night in the GCAA conference opener for both teams. It was the seventh straight win for the Hawks (12-3, 1-0).
SGSC never led in the first half and made only six shots in the first 20 minutes (18.8 percent). Despite struggling from the field, the Hawks managed to trail by only five points at halftime (27-22).
SGSC took its first lead (28-27) with 18:00 remaining in the game and stretched the lead to as many as 13 points multiple times in the second half. The Hawks shot 40.5 percent from the field and 76.5 percent from the free throw line in the final 20 minutes.
Carlos Hart led the Hawks with 17 points and 20 rebounds, including 11 defensive rebounds. Justin Edmondson and Andrew Prestwood each finished with 10 points to round out the top scorers.
SGSC recognized members of the Waycross Convention & Visitors Bureau during halftime of Thursday night’s game for the work each local organization and attraction does to promote Waycross locally, across the state, across the United States, and around the world. Those organizations and attractions recognized were the Downtown Waycross Development Authority, Laura S. Walker State Park, Okefenokee Heritage Center, Okefenokee Swamp Park, Southern Forest World, Ware County Recreation Department, Waycross Tourism, and the Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce.
The Hawks will travel to Gordon State Saturday before returning to play Albany Tech Tuesday, Jan. 17 on SGSC’s Douglas Campus. Tip for the Jan. 17 game is set for 7 p.m. The next Waycross Campus home game will be Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. against Georgia Highlands.
General admission to all regular season home games is five dollars with children five and under admitted free.