LAKEWOOD, NJ- Five Georgian Court University Lions reached double-digits, including double-doubles from Tahira Matthews (19 points, 16 rebounds) and Ebony Sellers (11 points, 10 assists), as GCU downed visiting Chestnut Hill College, 73-67, Saturday afternoon in the Wellness Center.

The victory marks the first home win AND first triumph over a CACC opponent for the Lions since they defeated Felician College, 46-35, back on February 13, 2010.

Georgian Court (2-8, 1-3 CACC) jumped out to a quick 13-4 lead just 5:54 into the contest. After a timeout called by head coach Laura Pruitt, the Griffins (1-8, 1-3 CACC) went on a 12-2 run and took a 16-15 advantage with 10:52 remaining in the opening period.  

In a half of tremendous ebb and flow, the offensive balance tipped back towards the benefit of the home club as Georgian Court roared on an 11-1 spurt and secured a 26-17 lead with 4:32 on the clock.

Not to be outdone, Chestnut Hill completed the stanza by outscoring GCU, 16-6, over the final four-and-a-half minutes and take a 33-32 lead into the locker room at the intermission.

In a deflating scenario for the Griffins, the Lions took a 34-33 advantage before the whistle to commence the second half even sounded as CHC was flagged with a technical foul for submitting an inaccurate roster at the start of the game, resulting in two successful free throws from Sellers.

The lead would not exceed four for either squad for a majority of the second half and would experience five seperate stalemates. However, with the score evened at 54-54 with 7:15 remaining in regulation, Georgian Court outscored the Griffins, 13-5, over the next five minutes and solidify a 67-59 lead with just 1:22 to go.

Matthews' 19 points led all scorers and marked her second double-double of the year (12/10 vs. Concordia). Ryan McGrath tied a career-high with her 11 points (12/08 vs. Goldey-Beacom). Shauneia McPhearson also drained 11 points while Evelyn Josbena collected a season-high 10 points in 10 minutes off the bench.

Marquesha Spicer (Jr.-Philadelphia, PA) topped the Griffins with her 16 points. Lila Jones (Fr.-Lansdale, PA) provided 15 points for Chestnut Hill while reserve Latoya Laing (Jr.-Snellville, GA) dropped in 14 points. 

The Lions return to action on Friday, December 30th, for a non-conference home contest vs. Bloomsburg University. Start time is scheduled for 1:00 PM.