Make that nine in a row!
The no. 25 Georgia College and State University men recently extended their winning streak this past Friday night after defeating the Francis Marion University Patriots 71-61. GCSU stands at 15-2 and a perfect 8-0 in Peach Belt Conference play. The conference mark is good for first place in the western division.
GCSU kept the Patriots are arms-length all evening. Neither team want on a significant run in the game as GCSU prevailed.
The Bobcats were led by senior guard Graham Martin with 24 points. Martin was 7 of 15 from the floor and was flawless from the charity-stripe at 8-8. Senior center Rob Thomas also chipped in with 10 strong points. Thomas showed the most aggression he has displayed all season underneath the tin with multiple stick-backs.
As a team, Georgia College thrived from the free throw line, shooting 80.6 percent on 25 makes in 31 opportunities. GCSU also capitalized on the FMU turnovers, turning 14 miscues into 17 points.
GCSU was able to limit the dribble-drive type offense that the Patriots like to run. Only one player for FMU was in double-digits.
Now it’s time to focus on the University of North Carolina Pembroke Braves after a day off in between. The Braves present some problems for Georgia College, particularly in the front-court.
The Braves have depth at the post. Led by senior forward Brandon Thomas (13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds per game), the Braves will look to drill the basketball inside. UNCP also has three other forwards who put up solid numbers:
-Freshman George Blakeney (7.2 points, 5.1 rebounds)
-Sophomore Mike Robinson (5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds)
-Sophomore Nate Priest (5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds)
Therefore, here are the points of emphasis for GCSU on Sunday afternoon:
1) GCSU must develop post-defense awareness. Whether GCSU runs the Terry Sellers patented “Vegas Zone” or goes to a man defense, the Bobcat players on the bottom of the zone or forwards (junior Josh Hurst, sophomore Ryan Aquino, senior Rob Thomas) must give production against a squad that had multiple options in the paint. Staying out of foul trouble is crucial.
2) Tying in with PoE (point of emphasis) #1 is limiting points in the paint. Georgia College must force the ball to be shot from the outside. The Braves are below 30 percent from behind the arc as a team and make just 4.3 three-pointers per outing. Against the Patriots, GCSU allowed 26 points within the box.
3) Georgia College has shown a trend of being able to get to the free throw line often over the past five games. In that span, GCSU has attempted 118 tosses, knocking home 88. The mark is good for 74.5 percent. If Georgia College shows offensive fluidity and rhythm, the Bobcats will succeed both inside, outside, and from the free-throw line.
4) Graham Martin has been the leader of the Georgia College offense all season. However, if Martin has an off game, somebody must fill the void. Head coach Terry Sellers has said multiple times over the past few weeks that he wants to see a total team effort. If others get going, along with Martin, then watch out! This one will be over in a flash.
Nothing like some hoops on the weekend!
Looking forward to you joining all our PeachBelt TV production crew Sunday at 3:20! (www.pennatlantic.com –free telecast)
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