Gaston College falls after nip-and-tuck battle with 2023 NJCAA national tournament participant

Facing a South Georgia State College team that advanced to the 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association, Gaston College battled the Hawks on even terms through much of Saturday's meeting in the Bobcat Classic at East Georgia State College.

South Georgia State would pull away down the stretch for a 77-63 victory.

"We got a tough loss today," Gaston College interim coach Jermaine Williams said. "We got out rebounded and South Georgia State got too many 50/50 balls that generated points, fast break opportunities and more possessions just from a mentality standpoint and more of a sense of urgency."

Gaston College (4-5), which was wearing yellow jerseys for the first time, led briefly in the first half before the Hawks took a 33-29 lead at the break.

In the second half, South Georgia State roared by 12 points at 44-32 before the Rhinos got within three points at 60-57 and 62-59 (with 3:48 to play).

The Hawks then closed the game on their winning surge.

Judah Ravenell had 13 points, Jamal Ukaegbu 11, Kush Carter 10, Asil Hoyle nine, Tyheim Love eight and Michael Smith five led Gaston College's balanced offensive attack.

"Our late, lazy and slow start haunted us again," Williams said. "That's the main thing I want to address. How do we generate more offense and scoring opportunities? Yesterday was bad and today was even more frustrating.
"I will go back to the drawing board and have us get better prepared to start games."

The Rhinos return to action on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Lincolnton's Combine Academy.