AMERICUS, Ga. -- A step-back 3-point attempt by Quenten Taylor with four seconds left rattled in and out, dropped to the floor and left the Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team on the short end of an 85-82 Peach Belt Conference decision against Lander University in the Storm Dome on Monday evening. The Hurricanes suffered their eighth loss by five points or less this season.  

How It Happened: Lander took a nine-point lead into the halftime break 44-35, and stretched the margin to 16 midway through the second half, 63-47. GSW refused to go away and answered with 10 consecutive points to kick off a 14-2 run that took all of three minutes. 

From there the Hurricanes could get no closer until the final minute of regulation. GSW trailed by five points with 1:15 to go when Taylor proceeded to make two free throws. Lander missed two from the line on their end and Taylor was back at the charity stripe moments later to sink two more. After that exchange, GSW was within a point, 83-82, with 45 seconds remaining. TJ Knight calmly sank his two free throws on the ensuing possession for Lander, setting up the final opportunity for Taylor and the Hurricanes.    

GSW (3-21, 1-17 PBC), fresh off of back-to-back 50-plus percent nights from 3-point range, cooled off on Monday. The Hurricanes made 9 of 28 (32.1 percent) for their lowest percentage in eight games. Lander struggled from long range as well (5 of 16). GSW forced three more turnovers (16-13) and made five more free throws, going 23 of 28 (82.1 percent) from the charity stripe. Steals were even at 7-7 and the Hurricanes grabbed one more rebound, 38-37. 

Who Stood Out: Taylor led GSW with 18 points. Grant Howard came off the bench to post 17 points, three points and four assists in 28 minutes of action. Kwei Lartey was a rebound shy of a double-double with nine rebounds and 15 points. Jamari Dean was a point shy of a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds.

Lander (11-14, 10-9 PBC) was led by Marquel Wiggins, who turned in a double-double performance. Wiggins sank 9 of 14 from the floor en route to his 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. 

Up Next: GSW has a quick turnaround with a trip to St. Augustine, Fla., on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. game against Flagler College.