AMHERST, NY. (Nov. 12, 2022) - Georgian Court Men's Basketball finished their season opening weekend 1-1 at the East Region Challenge, after defeating Roberts Wesleyan 85-81. The Lions built a big lead and survived a scare at the end to hang on for the win.

How it Happened
• Georgian Court shot 43.3% for the half and hit 8-23 three-pointers. They kept Roberts Wesleyan below 40% shooting and the Redhawks were 7-23 from deep.
• Both teams lived at the free throw line. The Redhawks shot 72.7% (24-33) and the Lions hit 19-27 (70.4%).
• The Lions had a big advantage rebounding the ball, 47-34. They also grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and score 12 second-chance points.
• The teams traded the lead back-and-forth a couple times at the start. A three from Shane Williams at the 12:53 mark put GCU ahead 13-11, and that started a 17-3 run for the Lions as they pushed their lead to 27-14. Jamaal Waters scored six points in the stretch including two dunks.
• Roberts Wesleyan cut the lead down to six, 31-25, but the Lions scored 11 straight points, going 4-4 from the field during the stretch.
• With under two minutes to play in the half, GCU led by 16 following a Justin Sorrano layup. The Redhawks scored five straight in an 18 second span, but Clint Wright stopped the scoring stretch with a three and ended the half going 1-2 at the line as GCU put up 51 points and led 51-38 at the break.
• Georgian Court was 18-34 for 53% in the half and made 6-13 from three and 9-12 at the free throw line. 
• The halftime break didn't do the Lions any favors. Less than five minutes into the half, the Redhawks cut the 13-point lead down to four, 54-50.
• The lead hovered around there until a pair of Redhawk free throws at the 9:28 mark brought it back down to two, 64-62. 
• Justin Sorrano though had an answer for the Lions. He scored five straight with a pair of layups and a free throw putting the Lions back up seven.
• Shane Williams brought the lead back into double-figures, 76-65 with 5:24 left to play hitting a jumper. 
• With 3:23 to play, GCU still led by 11, 80-69. But the Redhawks kept crawling back and scored seven straight to bring the lead to four with just 26 seconds remaining. 
• GCU knew they were going to have to make free throws to put the game away. In the final half minute, GCU was 5-6 at the line and never allowed the Redhawks to get within two possessions as they held on for the 85-81 win.

It Was Over When...
• With six seconds left, the Redhawks still had life following a jumper in the paint to make it a four-point game. They fouled Clint Wright, Jr. who made both of his free throws to make it a full two possession game and Roberts Wesleyan never had a chance to tie or take the lead.

Lions Stat Leaders
• Jamaal Waters led all scorers with 27 points. He was 11-17 and stepped out for a three as well. He also grabbed 11 boards for a double-double.
• Clint Wright, Jr. added 18 points and went 8-9 at the free throw line.
• Off the bench, Justin Soranno added 12 points going 4-5 from the field and 4-6 at the free throw line.
• Shane Williams was on fire from deep going 3-3 from long range and 4-4 overall, scoring 11 points. He also brought down seven rebounds.
• Jalen Bates passed out a team-high six assists without a turnover. 

For the Redhawks
• Malik Brooks score a game-high 17 going 6-13 and 2-4 from three.
• Ja'Kair Sanchez scored 10 with a team-best seven rebounds and six assists.
• Rian Carter added 10 points.
• Abou Gbane and Demani Smith each scored 10 off the bench.

News and Notes
• Following the tournament, Jamaal Waters was named to the All-Tournament Team. He averaged 17.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.
• The Lions 85 points were more than they scored in any game last season.
• GCU relied on a handful of scorers. Ten players got into the game and seven scored.
• The Lions shot 43% from the floor in their opening two games.
• GCU also outrebounded opponents 38.5-34.5.

Up Next
• The Lions remain on their stretch of five straight away from home to start the season. They'll play Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.