Wednesday, December 21, 2005

BENNETT'S LAST SECOND TIP-IN GIVES SAINTS 56-54 WIN OVER OAKS
Matt Causey Named Tournament MVP

Nassau, Bahamas – A put-back by North Georgia College & State University freshman post Andrew Bennett in the waning seconds of play gave the Saints a 56-54 victory against Menlo College Tuesday at the Bahamas Sunshine Shootout.

The win gave North Georgia (6-2) the tournament championship and junior guard Matt Causey was named tournament MVP. Causey also hit a milestone in his collegiate career, scoring his 1000th point five minutes into the game off a three pointer. Older brother Mark Causey was selected to the All-Tournament Team and scored 11 points in the win.

An 11-5 run by the Oaks (5-4) to open the second half gave Menlo a 40-27 lead with 14 minutes remaining. Menlo, however, missed five of its next six shots over the following four minutes and the Saints, behind a 14-3 run, drew to 43-41.

The Oaks managed to build a scant 54-50 lead with just over two minutes remaining before fouls led to four Saints free throws that knotted the game with 48 seconds to play. A crucial turnover by the Oaks' Israel Torres down the stretch set up North Georgia's last possession. Matt Causey, who notched a game-high 18 points, missed on North Georgia's initial game-winning jumper but Bennett was there with the offensive rebound and basket.

Both teams struggled shooting the ball, with the Saints only connecting on 30% (16-53) of their field goals and Menlo making only 40% (23-58) of their shots.

Junior post Mark Trust led the Saints with seven boards and senior post Marcus Robinson added eight points.

Senior James Gilkey paced Menlo with 17 points while Damian Carter and Torres added nine apiece. Junior Aaron Gentry led all players with 12 rebounds, including eight on the defensive end.

The Saints will take the remainder of 2005 off and begin conference play again on January 4 against Lander University in Greenwood, S.C. Menlo completes tournament action this afternoon against the College of Mount St. Joseph.

Box Score

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