Senators close out road win over Georgia Highlands, 65-61

ROME, GA – Walters State led by just two points with 25 seconds left against Georgia Highlands Tuesday evening, but Anthony Davis Jr. grabbed an offensive rebound and completed an and-one to seal a 65-61 win for the Senators.

With the victory, Walters State improved to 3-5 on the season. 

Aiden Goins led the way for Walters State with 22 points and seven rebounds, going 9-11 from the field. Along with Goins, Elijah Clinton had 11 points while Da'Mori Lytch had six points and 12 rebounds.

Other contributors for the Senators were Davis Jr. with nine points, Charvez Ambrose with six points, six assists and five rebounds, Malaki Brooks with seven points and two assists, Quin'Darius Rumph with two points and four rebounds and Alex Garcia with two points and three assists.

It was a slow start for both teams in the opening 20 minutes. The Senators trailed 22-19 with four minutes remaining in the half, but two steals by Alex Garcia led to some easy buckets late for Walters State as they grabbed a 35-29 lead heading into the locker room.

In the second half, Walters State led throughout. However, Georgia Highlands wouldn't allow the Senators to pull away and tied the game at 52 with four minutes to go. Needing to grab momentum back, the Senators did that as Goins completed an and-one and Ambrose scored on a reverse layup.

The Chargers cut the lead to one at 57-56 with four quick points, but Goins scored again and Brooks hit a free throw. Georgia Highlands cut the lead to two with a basket, but Goins scored one more time to make it 62-58.

Unfortunately for Walters State, Goins fouled out on the next possession and Georgia Highlands hit two free throws with 2:06 to go. The Chargers got the ball back after a turnover, but Walters State forced a 5-second violation with 50 seconds remaining. The Senators then milked the clock before Clinton took a three with 25 seconds left. The three was off, but Davis Jr. grabbed the rebound and put the ball in while being fouled. Davis Jr. hit the free throw, and the Senators held on for a 65-61 victory.

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action next Wednesday on the road at Chattanooga State. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.