Sedale McGee-Jones sank the game-winning 3-pointer with 5.3 seconds left as GSW upset Clayton State, 85-83 on Wednesday night in Morrow, Ga. The Lakers were ranked in the top 20 last week, and it's the Hurricanes second win in three years at CSU.
"This is a wonderful win and couldn't come at a better time," said coach Mike Leeder. "I think anytime you go on the road and win in any league is big - especially when you beat a team that was ranked last week, who went to the NCAA tournament last year and the defending conference champions. We proved tonight we can play with anybody in this league."
Neither team led by more than four points in the second half, and Clayton State (9-3, 2-3 PBC) had to tie the game to send it into overtime.
GSW's Chris Rawls' 3-point play gave the Hurricanes (6-7, 2-4) an 82-81 before the Lakers retook the lead. After GSW turned it over, Clayton gave the ball right back with 26 seconds left. Leeder said the plan was to hold for the last shot all the way.
They ran the same play that ended with a Rick Russell miss at the end of regulation, but this time it was McGee-Jones making the clutch shot. The made 3-pointer was the team's only one after halftime.
"It's a great play, and it shows a lot about his character," said Leeder. "He fought through suspensions and growing pains, and he was ready when his name was called. He deserved something good to happen to him."
Freddie Williams' last-second 15-footer missed, giving GSW its second conference win. Williams finished with 27 points to lead all scorers.
McGee-Jones finished with 14 points for Southwestern. Anthony Sargent had 21, Rawls had 17 with nine rebounds and Marcus Scott scored 16. It was Rawls fifth straight game with 16 or more points and eight or more rebounds.
Both teams shot 47 percent, 17 assists and 12 turnovers.
GSW is back at home for six of its next seven games against UNC Pembroke at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Saturday's game is the second annual "Pack the Stands Day." The campus organization with the most participation will receive a grand prize from RHA and CAB. It will also be Hurricane Reading Club Day. Area elementary students who met their reading goals received two tickets to the women's and men's games and will be recognized at halftime of the men's contest.
PICTURED: Anthony Sargent
PHOTO BY: Chris Fenn