South Atlantic Regional:
Georgia College 72, N.C. Central 63
March 10, 2007
MORROW, GA -- Georgia College & State University head coach John Carrick knew it would it take a herculean effort to knock off a North Carolina Central team, riding an 18-game winning streak, and that's exactly what he got Saturday from post Marquita Driskell in the semifinals of the 2007 NCAA Division II Women's NCAA South Atlantic Regional at Clayton State.
Driskell dominated the paint, pouring in a game-high 35 points to go along with 18 rebounds to propel the Lady Bobcats to a 72-63 win over North Carolina Central. She hit 12-of-19 shots from floor, including 2-of-3 from 3-point territory and 9-of-11 from the free throw line. The 35-point effort matched her career best, as she also scored 35 points earlier this season against Lander. The 35-point game comes on the heels of a 30-point, 14 rebound game against Wingate in the first round of the Regionals on Friday.
The victory improves Georgia College to 22-9 overall and advances the Lady Bobcats to Monday's 7 p.m. South Atlantic Regional Championship game at Clayton State. GC&SU will play the winner of Clayton State and Columbus State in Monday's final with the winner advancing to the NCAA Division II "Elite Eight." The loss for North Carolina Central ends its season with a 26-6 record.
Georgia College prevailed in the close contest that featured 15 lead changes and 10 ties. After a basket by Jori Nwachukwu with 1:24 remaining to tie the game at 63 apiece, Driskell answered with two free throws to give the Lady Bobcats the lead for good. Georgia College scored nine unanswered points to close the contest, hitting 7-of-8 free throws to seal the victory.
Before the Lady Bobcat run to close the game, neither team led by more than six points in the second half. The game was knotted at 32 at halftime.
Behind Driskell, Tiauna Brantley had 12 points, followed by Cassie Miliner with eight. Point guard Lindsey Smith dished off a game-high 12 assists.
For North Carolina Central, Jasmine Newkirk led a balanced attack with 19 points, followed by Cassie King and LaQuanda Williams with 15 points and six rebounds apiece. Nwachukwu finished with eight points and a team-high 13 rebounds.
Georgia College shot 47 percent (27-of-58) from the floor for the contest, hitting a sizzling 62 percent (13-of-21) in the second half. North Carolina Central shot 37 percent from the floor and was limited to only 33 percent (12-of-36) in the second period.
Both teams did a good job handling the ball with North Carolina Central finishing with only nine turnovers compared to 14 for Georgia College. The Lady Bobcats won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Lady Eagles 46-39.
-Courtesy Clayton State
