Pirates Use Big Second-Half Run To Down Saints, 78-58

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The No. 25-ranked Armstrong Atlantic State men's basketball team shot 64.5 percent in the second half, turning a two-point halftime lead into a 78-58 Peach Belt Conference men's basketball victory over visiting North Georgia on Monday evening at Alumni Arena.

The Pirates (12-2, 5-2 PBC) used a 17-2 run over a five-minute stretch in the second half to turn a 41-40 North Georgia (8-6, 2-6 PBC) lead into a 57-43 AASU advantage with 9:29 remaining in the contest. AASU forced 20 turnovers by the Saints and held North Georgia to just 1-of-11 on three-pointers in the second half.

AASU was led by Dwight Tolbert, who came off the bench to record 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor, including 4-of-7 three-pointers, to go with his game-high nine rebounds. Gabriel Robinson notched a season-high 15 points, to go with seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals. T.T. Hall chipped in 13 points and Keron McKenzie collected 10 points.

North Georgia was led by LaBrian Lyons' 20 points and reigning PBC Player of the Week Anthony Rowe's double-dobule of 15 points and 11 rebounds. 

The Pirates finished the game hitting 50 percent from the floor (32-of-64) while owning a big 25-11 advantage in points off turnovers, including a 20-2 advantage in fast break points.

AASU returns to action on Thursday, January 22, with a 7:30 p.m. Peach Belt Conference contest at Columbus State.