Georgia College & State University 86, Johnson C. Smith University 68
Georgia College & State University 86, Johnson C. Smith
University 68
March 11, 2006
RICHMOND, Virginia - Ronnie Dennis matched a career high with 24
points to help Georgia College & State University knock off
Johnson C. Smith University 86-68 in Saturday?s first round of the
NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional Tournament at the Arthur
Ashe Center. GCSU (21-8) shot a season high 60.3% (35-58) from the
floor and advances to the regional semifinal game at 5 p.m. on
Sunday against Presbyterian College.
GCSU started to pull away in the second half, using a 13-2 run to
build a 24-12 advantage midway through the frame. Johnson C. Smith
(23-8) cut the deficit down to single digits with a 6-0 run later
in the half, but the Bobcats would close out the period on a 10-2
run capped by a three-pointer from Dennis to take a 41-24 lead into
the locker room. Dennis led all scorers at the break with 17 points
as GCSU shot 55% (17-31) from the floor, while the Golden Bulls
shot only 37% (10-27).
Johnson C. Smith came out on fire to start the second half, using
an 11-0 run capped by a jumper from Maurice Hooper to get within
six points at 41-35. The Bobcats would slowly pull away again and
Aaron Gibbs converted a four-point play after being fouled on a
three-pointer to push the lead back up to double digits. The Golden
Bulls would never recover.
Dennis hit 10 out of 17 shots, including four from behind the arc,
to lead the Bobcats with 24 points, while Aaron Clark added 15
points. Gibbs and Andre Smith added 10 points apiece off the bench.
Charles Clark led JCSU with 20 points, while Hooper finished with
17, all in the second half.
The Bobcats shot 67% (18-27) in the second half, while JCSU shot
59% (17-29) in the frame.
GCSU will meet Presbyterian College for the third time this season
as the two teams split the regular season series with both teams
winning on the road. The Blue Hose defeated Armstrong Atlantic
State 73-67 in Saturday?s quarterfinal.
-- Courtesy GC&SU
