The Georgia Southwestern men's basketball team picked up their second consecutive win with an 88-58 victory over Clearwater Christian College at the Storm Dome on Saturday afternoon.
GSW dominated the boards, pulling down 22 more rebounds (48-26) than CCC.
Southwestern struggled early against the Cougars, as the lead changed hands ten times in the first half. Clearwater Christian held a three-point lead (28-25) with 2:44 remaining. From that point it was all GSW. The Hurricanes closed the half on a 7-1 run and led 34-29 at the break.
A Ric Roderick three-point basket at the 14:09 mark of the second half capped a 15-4 run to give the home squad a 16-point lead.
The teams played even over the following six minutes before a 17-4 run, capped by back-to-back three-pointers from Matt Mendell, put the game out of reach (77-48) with 4:20 to go.
GSW shot 54.8 percent in the second half and finished 48.3 percent (29-of-60) for the game.
Clearwater Christian was held without a three-point basket (0-for-9) and finished the game shooting 38.6 percent (22-of-57).
Rawls, who was near-perfect from the floor (9-of-11), led the Hurricanes with game-highs in points (21) and rebounds (9). Marcus Scott added 15 points and seven boards.
George Youstra matched Rawls with 21 points to lead Clearwater Christian (2-6). Lonzo Saunders chipped in 12 points.
The 30-point margin of victory is the largest by GSW since November 18, 2008, when the Hurricanes defeated Carver Bible, 103-68.
GSW (3-5) returns to action on December 28, at the Lander University New Year's Classic, with a 5:00 p.m. game against Lenoir-Rhyne.
PICTURED: Will Kenimer
PHOTO BY: Chris Fenn