AUGUSTA, Ga. -- The Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team fell behind early and couldn't make key stops in the second half to pull within Augusta University on Saturday afternoon in an 87-69 Peach Belt Conference setback in the Christenberry Fieldhouse. R.J. Sessions scored 15 consecutive points midway through the second half for GSW behind 6-of-6 shooting but the Hurricanes were unable to shave anything off their 10-point deficit during that span. Sessions scored 19 over the final 20 minutes and finished with 25 points for the game. Tamyrik Fields from Augusta led all scorers with 34 points, a point shy of the most allowed by GSW to an opposing player this season.

The Hurricanes dropped their third consecutive game to fall to 9-6 overall and 5-6 in the Peach Belt while Augusta has won two of its last three to improve to 9-8, 6-5 in the PBC. 

After winning five straight conference games, their longest streak in five years, the Hurricanes have lost by an average of 20 points per game over this three-game skid.

How It Happened: Hasaan Buggs threw down a dunk for the first points of the afternoon, but GSW's final lead came shortly thereafter at 4-2. The Hurricanes were within three points, 23-20, at the 7:45 mark of the first half, until Augusta rattled off 10 unanswered in two and a half minutes to build a comfortable lead. The Jaguars carried a 14-point advantage into the halftime break.

The GSW defense struggled to force Augusta into an empty possession in the second half. The Jaguars made 16 of 22 shots (72.7 percent) and fought off the Hurricanes attempt at a comeback. GSW was solid in its own right on the offensive end, making 16 of 28 (57.1 percent) over the final 20 minutes, but couldn't close the gap. 

GSW lost for the first time this season (3-1) when shooting 50 percent or better for the game, in part because Augusta finished with an eye-popping 64.7 overall shooting percentage. The Jaguars pulled down 13 more rebounds, holding GSW to a season-low 19 boards. 

Who Stood Out: Buggs moved up to second in the PBC in shooting percentage after going 8 of 11 from the floor on Saturday. He finished with 17 points and a team-high six rebounds. Andre Statam made 4 of 7 shots and all four attempts from the free throw line to finish with 13 points. 

Up Next: GSW returns home for two games starting with Clayton State on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.