Chargers begin GCAA tourney with win
GHC will host the conference Final Four this weekend at The Corral.
The quest for a fourth straight conference title began with a victory for the Georgia Highlands men’s basketball team Tuesday on its home court.
And that’s where they’ll stay this week as long as they keep winning.
The No. 1 seed in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament, the Chargers defeated Andrew College 91-76 to advance to Friday’s semifinals to take on South Georgia Tech.
This weekend’s Final Four and championship games will be hosted by GHC, with the Chargers winning the last three tournament championships.
Georgia Highlands (209) went on a 15-0 run midway through the first half to get out to a 27-12 lead, but Andrew cut the Chargers’ lead to 36-30 with 1:54 to go before the home team pulled out ahead, 42-32, to end the first half.
While GHC struggled from the field in the opening 20 minutes, the team warmed up in the second half to shoot 7 of 14 from the 3-point line and take its largest lead of the night, 77-57, with 5:50 to go and rolled from there.
The Chargers had four players score in double digits led by DeMarcus Addie’s 26 points. He also had six assists and five rebounds. Sandro Noel and TaJuan Johnson had 17 points each, and Jeremiah Buford added 12.
“We are always happy to get the first playoff win under our belts,” said Georgia Highlands head coach Phil Gaffney, who was recently announced as the GCAA Men’s DI Coach of the Year.
“DeMarcus Addie gave us another great effort scoring. It’s now time to prepare for our opponent Friday.”
The Chargers will take on the Jets of South Georgia Tech on Friday at 7:30 p.m. with the winner advancing to Saturday’s championship game at 3 p.m.