Radio interview with Eric Boone and Elijah McCadden

Radio interview with Brian Burg

STATESBORO – Kaden Archie and Eric Boone each scored 16 points in their Georgia Southern debuts, and the Eagles used an 18-0 run in the second half to pull away from Florida National en route to a 97-65 men's basketball victory Wednesday afternoon in Hanner Fieldhouse.

It was the season opener for Georgia Southern (1-0) and the debut for head coach Brian Burg, who was hired last March to lead the Eagle program.

Eagles of the Game
Boone made 6 of 8 from the field and 2 of 3 from 3-point range and tallied five assists and a pair of steals. Archie was 7 of 11 from the floor and added four rebounds and two steals. Kamari Brown notched 15 points and seven rebounds in his Eagle debut, while Elijah McCadden finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a steal. Prince Toyambi, also making his Georgia Southern debut, collected nine points and 10 boards.

Key Moments
The Eagles put Florida National (2-8) away with an 18-0 run midway through the second half.  David Viti started the run with a layup, Archie scored four points, Brown hit a triple and Boone capped the stretch with a layup, giving the Eagles an 82-52 cushion with 6:01 remaining. Georgia Southern held the Conquistadors to 0 for 8 and forced four turnovers at the other end during the run.

Leading 23-22 in the first half, Boone ignited a 19-4 Georgia Southern run with a 3-pointer, and McCadden scored four to push the margin to 16 points with 1:39 to go as the Eagles would go on to lead 45-31 at halftime.

Key Stats
Georgia Southern outrebounded Florida National 59-28 and turned 26 offensive rebounds into 22 second-chance points. The 59 boards were the most for the Eagles since a 120-52 win over Bluefield State Nov. 16, 2017. 

Assists were a dime a dozen for the Eagles, who posted 19 helpers on 41 made buckets, and Georgia Southern forced 17 turnovers which turned into 20 points.

Next Up
The Eagles are scheduled to host Coastal Georgia Saturday in Hanner Fieldhouse. Tipoff is at 4 p.m. on ESPN+.