Bobcats Scorch Pirates From Long Range In 76-65 Win

SAVANNAH, Ga. - GCSU nailed eight of its first nine three-point shots en route to a 15-point halftime lead to cruise to a 76-65 Peach Belt Conference men's basketball victory over host Armstrong Atlantic on Saturday afternoon in Savannah.

The Bobcats (11-2, 4-0 PBC) won their fifth straight contest with the victory, while the Pirates (5-9, 0-5 PBC) suffered its fifth straight loss.

Jake Rios was the main force behind the Bobcats' early hot start as the PBC's leading three-point shooter nailed his first four atttempts from beyond the arc in building a 30-10 lead in the first ten and a half minutes of action.

The Bobcats continued that hot shooting all the way into halftime, as GCSU had hit 9-of-13 from beyond the arc when the first half horn sounded. The Bobcats also shot 53.8 percent as a group from the floor in being staked to the 45-30 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Pirates closed to within seven, 51-44, on a layup by freshman Arris Brundidge with 13:48 remaining, but AASU would get no closer the rest of the way.

Ty Rowland led a trio of Bobcats in double figures, scoring a game-high 20 points, while Rios and Graham Martin each finished with 12 points apiece. 

Sophomore Chris Vanlandingham led the way for the Pirates with 17 points, while senior Gabriel Robinson scored 15 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists on the day.

The Pirates return to action on Monday, January 18, with a 7:30 p.m. contest against No. 13-ranked Montevallo at Alumni Arena.

Head Coach Jeremy Luther's Post Game Comments:

On the opening half defensive effort compared to Wednesday's against No. 1 Augusta State: "That's the first thing I talked to them about. We came in, watched film, but the test was if we could come out and match the same level of enthusiasm. We did not and I'm very disappointed. We missed on so many opportunities."

On what GCSU did differently offensively from the Hampton Inn & Suites Holiday Classic in December: "Nothing. They're a good team. They run, space and have a high IQ. I'm trying to teach our team to be successful and have a sense of urgency."

On what number he wanted to get the score early in the second half to give the Pirates a chance: "We said single digits was the best we could do. It came a little sooner than 10 minutes, and then from that point, I said - let's make it a game. Credit to our kids for competing and making the score respectable."

On the quick turnaround, facing No. 13 Montevallo on Monday: "It's going to be a big test. They're No. 13 in the country. They're a very talented and athletic team. We'll break down the film and try and get a game plan together."