Buzz Wehunt

The first half saw North Georgia (11-8, 7-6) take a 42-37 lead into the locker room over visiting Francis Marion (8-11, 3-9). The Patriots then stormed past the Saints to open the second half, going on a 22-7 run to open the frame and take a 10-point lead seven minutes in. Stretching the lead to as many as 13, FMU looked in control of the game and poised for the victory.

The Patriots took a 78-70 lead heading into the final two minutes of the second half. A three from junior guard Matt Causey with 1:35 to go put North Georgia within five points. FMU took the lead to seven points with 57 seconds remaining, but the Saints answered with another three from senior guard Mark Causey. A turnover by the Patriots and a quick lay-up by Matt Causey brought the Saints to within two points. FMU converted on one of two free throws, but a quick foul put North Georgia on the line and two free throws cut the lead to one.

The Saints were forced to foul putting senior guard Reinaldo Charles on the line. He buried a pair from the charity stripe with five seconds left in the game. North Georgia quickly in bounded the ball to Mark Causey who found an open Wehunt who knocked down the game tying three. In overtime, the Saints made 10-of-12 free throws to put the game away.

Matt Causey led all scorers with 31 points followed by brother Mark Causey who scored a double-double with 24 points and a game high 15 rebounds. Wehunt scored 18 points for the Saints along with junior post Mark Trust who added 16. Freshman post Anthony Rowe was a rebound shy of his third consecutive double-double, but did finish the night with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Senior guard Vony Rivers played an amazing game for FMU, hitting big three’s the entire night and leading the team with 28 points and seven rebounds. Four other Patriots scored in double figures with junior forward Raymond Dorsey and senior forward George Walker scoring 16 points each. Senior guard Michael Jenkins added 15 points and senior forward Michael Carter scored 11.

North Georgia will play again this Saturday as they take on UNC Pembroke on the road at 4:00 p.m. FMU will also play the Braves next on Monday, February 6 at 7:30 in Florence, S.C.