Tankersley's Game Winner Lifts GSW

Tankersley's Game Winner Lifts GSW

TUSCULUM, Tenn. - Junior forward Michael Tankersley came through in the clutch for the Georgia Southwestern Hurricanes Saturday afternoon as his last second shot lifted GSW past the Tusculum College Pioneers, 66-65, in Pioneer Arena.

GSW jumped out to an early 21-12 lead ten minutes into the first half but couldn't seem to separate themselves from a resiliant Pioneers squad that continued to keep the contest close.

Southwestern used nine first half points from junior forward Matt Shaw and 57 percent shooting to take a 28-23 advantage going into halftime.

In the second half, Tusculum used red hot shooting from the field in order to take their first lead of the game, 38-37, at the 13 minute mark.

GSW countered the second half Pioneer offensive attack by excellent free throw shooting. The Hurricanes were 13-15 from the free throw line in the second half and finished the game shooting 84.2 percent (16-19).

Tusculum held a slim 63-61 advantage at the two minute mark off a made free throw by sophomore forward Neal Spinks, when sophomore guard Alan Arnet's three point play helped regained the lead for GSW, 64-63. 

Two free throws by TC's Keith Jumper gave the Pioneers a one point advantage before Tankersley's game winning layup with no time left on the clock gave GSW a thrilling 66-65 road win. 

Tusculum shot 60 percent from the field (17-28) in the second half led by 19 points from freshman forward Keith Jumper. 

Matt Shaw finished the game with 16 points and 6 rebounds for Georgia Southwestern as they improve to 4-2 on the season.

Three other players scored in double figures for the Hurricanes as Derrick Dawkins posted 12 points and Tankersley and Arnett added 10 a piece. 

Jumper finished as the game's top scorer with 22 points on the day as Tusculum falls to 1-7 on the season.

Georgia Southwestern returns to the court this Tuesday, Dec. 11, as they travel to Georgia College to open up Peach Belt Conference play at 7:30 p.m.