Bobcats win another at home
The GCSU men’s basketball team earned its tenth home win of the season Monday night, beating Columbus State University 99-94 with an emotional finish.
The Bobcats initially got off to a slow start and did not lead until nearly four minutes into the game. From there, they eventually opened a ten point lead, only to see Columbus State battle back and tie the game with just over three minutes left in the half.
The Bobcats answered and closed out the half on a nine to four run with the help of consecutive three-pointers from junior guard Justin Brown.
The second half had the feel of a cat-and-mouse game, with the Bobcats leading the entire way. The Cougars would close the scoring gap, but could never tie the game or take the lead.
When the Bobcats’ lead grew to seven with just over a minute left, it appeared the game was well in hand. But the persistent Cougars had other plans.
With less than twenty seconds remaining in the game, Travis Matthews of Columbus State drained a three point shot, tying the game at 94.
Sophomore guard Graham Martin was fouled after the ensuing inbound pass, and he made one of two free throw attempts to put the Bobcats on top by one. On the following possession, Columbus State guard Corris Portis received a pass under the rim and it appeared he might make the shot that would secure a miraculous win. Fortunately, Bobcat senior center Aaron Clark was there, and with a physical block, his fourth of the contest, he saved the game for the Bobcats.
No foul was called on the play, but after the defensive rebound by Clark, a foul was called on Columbus State, much to the anger of Cougar Head Coach Doug Branson. Branson received two technical fouls, resulting in four free throws for the Bobcats. Aaron Clark sank the first two and Graham Martin made the second two for the final score.
Junior guard Shaun Keaton and Aaron Clark both had twenty points to lead all players in the game. Clark also added twelve rebounds, five assists and four blocks.
Junior guard Ken Kemp also had a double-double, recording thirteen points and eleven rebounds. Martin and Brown also reached double digits in scoring.
The Bobcats are now 10-1 at home, as opposed to just 6-6 when they play away from the Centennial Center. Bobcat players and coaches think that there are number of possible explanations for the differential.
“We shoot well at home,” Kemp said. “We’ve also got that confidence and swagger at home.
“We have the best fans and we don’t want to disappoint.”
Assistant Coach Mark Gainous also thinks that the home fans have a positive influence on the team. “We’ve got quality fans here behind us,” he said. “We’re a fun team to watch.”
Whatever the reason may be, the difference in the amount of points per game for the Bobcats is considerable.
The Bobcats are averaging 88 points per game at the Centennial Center this season, as compared to just 73 points per game away from home. Clearly, being at home is beneficial to the Bobcats, and the NBA-like point total Monday night reflected just that.
With the Peach Belt Conference and NCAA Tournaments just ahead, the Bobcats are looking to make a final push at the end of the season.
“This team can definitely be a factor in the tournament,” Gainus said. “If we finish third, we can have a good chance at getting an NCAA Tournament bid.”
The players seem up to the challenge.
“We’re trying to get more intense,” Keaton said. “We want to show these young guys the way and get them pumped up about the tournament.”
Saturday, the Bobcats travel to South Carolina to take on Francis Marion. Wednesday, they leave the state once more to challenge the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in a PBC matchup. On Sunday, March 2, the team will host its final home game of the season against the University of South Carolina Aiken.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Feb 22 2008. Filed under Sports.
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