DETROIT, Mich. - Georgia Southern outlasted host Detroit Mercy, 82-79, in overtime to extend its current winning streak to five in Detroit, Mich., on Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles (7-1) knocked off the Titans (2-7) in the program's first trip to the state of Michigan. The win was also the third straight overtime win for Georgia Southern dating back to 2021.
The host Titans hit 5-of-10 threes in the first half to build a slim 40-39 halftime lead over the Eagles. In the third quarter, the Eagles used an 11-0 run late in the period to take an eight point lead, 59-51, going into the final period.
Georgia Southern had a 10-point lead, 68-58, with 6:07 remaining but the Titans held the Eagles to just one field goal the rest of regulation. Myonna Hooper knocked down a three-pointer with 24 seconds left in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 71-all and send the game to overtime.
In the extra frame, the Eagles held a two-point lead, 81-79, with 15.9 seconds left. Detroit Mercy's Amaya Burch missed a potential game-winning three with three seconds left and the Eagles' Eden Johnson secured the rebound to preserve the win.
Four Eagles reached double figures in the contest, led by Terren Ward's double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Taya Gibson and Eden Johnson had 13 points apiece, while Constance Thomas added 10 points. Ana Cabanas Llorens led the Titans with 18 points.
Eagle of the Game
Gibson scored eight of her 13 points in the pivotal overtime frame for the Eagles, while adding eight rebounds total for the game. She was 3-for-3 from the field in the extra period and also grabbed a pair of rebounds.
Stat of the Game
Georgia Southern used its size advantage to outrebound the Titans, 55-38, and also enjoy a 56-30 edge in points in the paint.
Quotables
Head Coach Anita Howard on the overtime victory
"We ran into more road adversity today. We were down two starters and playing on short rest, so we depended on our depth to carry us. Being able to win an overtime game, without a player like Terren Ward after fouling out, speaks to our strength in numbers. Eden Johnson and Taya Gibson are both veterans who have grown up in our program. And today they showed poise and leadership in overtime. I was really proud of their play during those five minutes. CeCe [Thomas] was a key player for us as well, with Ja'nya Love-Hill being out, she held us down and made big plays for us even though she was battling foul trouble."
Next Up
Georgia Southern returns home for its final non-conference contest of 2022-23, hosting the College of Charleston on Friday, December 16, at 6 p.m. in Hanner Fieldhouse.
