PEMBROKE, N.C. -- Plagued by 23.1 percent shooting over the opening 20 minutes, the Georgia Southwestern men's basketball team fell behind by 17 points in the first half and never recovered in an 83-71 loss at the University of North Carolina Pembroke Tuesday morning in the English E. Jones Center.   

How It Happened: UNC Pembroke utilized a 22-6 run after GSW held its final lead of the game, 6-5. The Hurricanes trailed 37-25 at the break and fell behind by as many as 27 points late in the second half. UNC Pembroke improved its record to 6-3 overall and 2-1 in the Peach Belt Conference. GSW wrapped up a three-game road trip and dipped to 0-3 in Peach Belt play, 4-3 overall.

The Hurricanes finished 9 of 21 from 3-point range, after connecting on 3 of 4 in the closing minutes, and matched their season high by converting 20 of 25 from the free throw line.    

UNC Pembroke dished out eight more assists than GSW (20-12) and stole the ball five more times (8-3). The Braves sank 13 from long range, which was eight above their season average coming into play.   

Who Stood Out: Devin Watson scored in double figures for the sixth consecutive game and led the Hurricanes with his second consecutive 16-point performance. Watson drained 4 of 5 from 3-point range. Hasaan Buggs turned in the Hurricanes first double-double of the season. Buggs scored 15 points for the second-straight game and pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds. John Mason connected on 3 of 6 from long range en route to his 14 points off the bench. 

Up Next: The Hurricanes are off until Dec. 30 when they host Lander University at 3:30 p.m. GSW is home for five of its next six games.