Streak to Eleven for Bobcat Men's Hoops; Lakers in Town Today

Eleven.

11.

Eee-lev-hen.

There’s many ways to look at it, say it, and show it.

But, that’s the current winning streak of the no.21 Georgia College and State University men’s basketball team. The Bobcats stand at 17-2 and a perfect 10-0 in conference play. The conference mark is the best start of any team in school history.

The Bobcats are just off a key 88-84 win against the North Georgia College and State University Saints this past Wednesday night. Led by the seniors Graham Martin with 20 points, Ty Rowland’s 18 points and Jake Rios’ 17, the Bobcats were able to remain undefeated. All in all, the “big three” for GCSU put up terrific performances against the Saints, who were lurking right behind the Bobcats in the Peach Belt Conference west standings.

Today, it’s the Lakers of Clayton State University in town. And what a matchup we get to witness this afternoon! All three guards are averaging in double figures for the Lakers (12-8, 5-5 in the PBC-west) and will present an exciting matchup against the big guards of GCSU.

Here are the guard matchups to watch this afternoon:
- Senior #21 Robert Murray of Clayton (16.6 points, 2.3 rebs) vs. #22 Rios of GCSU (13.5 points per game)
- Junior #5 Brandon Robinson of Clayton (14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds) vs. #2 Martin of GCSU (15.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists)
-Junior #24 Timmy Downs of Clayton (11.6 points, 3.8 assists) vs. #4 Rowland (10.1 points, 5.26 assists)

If that’s not enough to watch this one, I don’t know what is! All six guards are athletic, talented, and play smart basketball. Both teams turn the basketball over less than 13 times each outing.

So, here are a few points of emphasis:

1) Perimeter defense for GCSU must be played in stopping the lethal outside attack that Clayton presents. The three guards Clayton possesses make up 56 percent of their scoring attack. Limit that, and things should look good for the Bobcats!

2) I will be watching the play of junior guard Andre Mikell of GCSU in this battle. When Mikell scores in double figures this season, the Bobcats are 6-0. Last game against Clayton State, Mikell had 11 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds. Mikell has been outstanding serving as the sixth man for GCSU this year.

3) With a lethal outside attack presented by both teams, where do the posts come into play? It’s key for GCSU to rebound in this game. Junior forward Josh Hurst (6.6 rebounds) and sophomore forward Ryan Aquino (5.8 rebounds) must corrall defensive rebounds this afternoon for the ‘Cats. The Bobcats were out-rebounded by Clayton State the last time these teams met on Jan. 9 by a tally of 33-27. However, the Bobcats won that match 69-50. The score is deceiving, however. Clayton was within eight points during the final three minutes of the game until Terry Seller’s crew pulled away.

Let’s make it a dozen!

Twelve in a row going into no.12 Augusta State next Thursday would be pretty sweet.

More on that one, later!

Chat with you all at 3:25 on PeachBelt TV (www.pennatlantic.com – free telecast)!