GC Men’s Basketball Outlasts Averett in 2OT’s, 96-91; Will Host Shenandoah in USA South Tournament Semi-finals

The third seeded Greensboro College men’s basketball team rallied to beat sixth seeded Averett on Tuesday, 96-91. The Pride trailed for much of the game but used a furious comeback late in regulation to force the extra sessions.

Greensboro found themselves in a hole for much of the game. The Pride trailed by as many as eight points in the first half at 36-28 before narrowing the gap to 36-34 at the break.

The Cougars jumped out immediately in the second half and took control out of the gate, going on top by as many as 12 points. Greensboro began its comeback in the final six minutes of the contest, largely thanks to the work of Luqman Tijani. Tijani scored ten points in the final 3:30 of regulation to send the game into the first overtime.

Averett led for most of the first overtime before Tijani knocked down two free throws to knot the score at 81-81 down the stretch.

Devonta Davis came up with the play of the day in the second overtime, nailing a big three point basket to break open a close score. Davis’ shot made the score 93-88 with 26 seconds left on the clock.

Averett made one last attempt at the victory, closing to within 93-91 before free throws by Davis and Damian Dixon down the stretch closed things out.

Tijani scored a game high 27 points while T.J. Holman added a double-double with 22 points and ten rebounds. Davis chipped in with 15 points and Brock Moorman also hit double figures in scoring with ten.

With the victory, Greensboro improves to 17-9 on the season and will advance to the USA South semifinals on Friday night. The Pride will host Shenandoah at 7:00 p.m. after the number seven seeded Hornets upset North Carolina Wesleyan. The game will be played at Hanes Gym.