Gaston College posts win in opening day of Bobcat Classic against host East Georgia State

Gaston College went on the road Friday night and knocked off host East Georgia State College 66-56 in the nightcap of Friday's Bobcat Classic in Swainsboro, Ga.

The Rhinos snapped a two-game losing streak to even their record at 4-4 entering Saturday's 3 p.m. game against defending Region 17 champion South Georgia State. In Friday's opener, South Georgia State dropped Gaston College's Region 10 rival Brunswick Community College 64-50.

"Great win. Any win we can get is huge and massive for the team, program and for where we want to go," Rhinos interim head coach Jermaine Williams said. "Playing together and sharing the ball paved the way."

In the victory, Jalante Edwards had 14 points, Tyheim Love, Kush Carter and Judah Ravenell 10 each and Asil Hoyle and Jamal Ukaegbu eight apiece.

After forging a 27-25 halftime led, Gaston College pulled away in the second half aided by some big free throws by Love and even bigger 3-pointers in the closing minutes by Edwards and Hoyle.

"It was a tale of two halves," Williams said. "Jalante led the way with his overall play of getting steals, finding guys downcourt while being pressed, scoring in open court from his steals and giving us a spark and then a massive four-point play down the stretch."

After the Bobcats closed within 53-49 with 6:45 to play, Love converted both ends of one-and-one free throws to push the lead back up to six points.

Two minutes later, Edwards converted his four-point play by making a free throw after making a 3-pointer while being fouled to give Gaston College a 60-51 lead.

Then with 1:45 to play, Hoyle hit a 3-pointer from the left corner an Edwards assist to push the lead to 65-56 with 1:45 to play.

Williams thought defense was key to the win and had high praise for Ukaegbu.

"Jamal got active in the second half as well and imposed his will scoring around the basket via dribble drives and post ups," Williams said.