CUTHBERT, Ga. – Despite battling until the final buzzer, the Andrew College Men's Basketball team was unable to overcome an early second-half deficit, falling to the Georgia Southern University East Golden Eagles, 86-74, in its home opener Wednesday night at Jinks Gymnasium.
The matchup marked the Fighting Tigers' first game as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC).
First Half
Playing their first game inside the newly renovated Jinks Gymnasium, the Fighting Tigers were eager to put on a show for their home crowd.
Andrew opened the contest with intensity on both ends of the floor, striking first with a thunderous dunk from Saulamon Evans to take the game's first lead. Through the opening three minutes, the Fighting Tigers built a five-point advantage following a smooth outside jumper from Evans that put Andrew ahead, 7-2.
The Fighting Tigers continued to build momentum throughout the opening 10 minutes, extending their lead to nine points, 17-8. However, turnovers and personal fouls eventually slowed Andrew's offensive rhythm, allowing the Golden Eagles to work their way back into the contest.
Andrew committed six turnovers and seven personal fouls in the opening half, ultimately surrendering its early advantage and entering the break trailing by just four points, 39-35.
Second Half
Coming out of halftime, the Fighting Tigers knew they needed to tighten up defensively and limit mistakes to regain control of the game. Unfortunately, Andrew struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm in the second half.
The Fighting Tigers shot 36.6% (15-for-41) from the field and 23.1% (3-for-13) from beyond the arc in the second half. Despite early offensive contributions from Bryan Hill and Zy'Quan Grant, Andrew was unable to reclaim the lead.
Although the Fighting Tigers continued to battle throughout the final 20 minutes, Georgia Southern East maintained its advantage to secure the 86-74 victory.
Andrew returns to the court Saturday, Oct. 31, when the Fighting Tigers travel to Brunswick, Ga., to face the College of Coastal Georgia at Coffin Gym.
Notes
- Amir Rosa led Andrew with 22 points, five rebounds and one steal.
- Rosa was one of three Fighting Tigers to score in double figures, alongside Saulamon Evans with 15 points and K'Shawn Scott with 14.
- Point guard Zy'Quan Grant recorded six assists and two steals in Wednesday night's contest.
- Andrew outrebounded Georgia Southern East, 36-32.
- The Fighting Tigers held a 13-2 advantage in second-chance points.
Located in Cuthbert, Georgia, Andrew College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Fighting Tigers sponsor 18 sports and compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference.
