Georgia Southern women's basketball celebrated Senior Day by knocking off Coastal Carolina, 75-66, on Saturday afternoon for its fifth win out of its last six contests.
The Eagles improved to 18-7 overall and 10-6 in the Sun Belt, setting a new program high for Sun Belt wins. The 18 wins also matches last season's total and it's the most wins in back-to-back seasons since 1993-94 (21-9) and 1994-95 (16-12) for Georgia Southern women's basketball. Coastal Carolina falls to 12-15 overall and 7-9 with the loss.
It was fitting that on Senior Day, senior Le'Andrea Gillis sparked the Eagles to a huge first-quarter lead, knocking down four three-pointers as Georgia Southern built a 28-17 advantage. Both teams struggled from the floor in the second quarter, putting up only nine points each, as the Eagles went into the break with a 37-26 lead.
In the third quarter, Coastal Carolina opened the frame on a 13-2 run to tie the game at 39-all, but another three-pointer from Gillis put the Eagles back in front, 42-39, with 4:44 left in the quarter. The Eagles would extend that lead to nine, 51-42, at the end of the third quarter and Coastal would get no closer than three points the rest of the way.
Fellow senior Ja'nya Love-Hill led the Eagles offensively with 16 points and four assists, while Gillis finished with 15 points. Coastal Carolina placed three players in double figures, led by Aja Blount's double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. Deaja Richardson added 16 points and Arin Freeman had 13.
Prior to the game, Georgia Southern honored its four seniors - Love-Hill, Gillis, Taya Gibson and Andreana Wrister - in a pre-game ceremony.
Player of the Game
Gillis knocked down 5-of-6 threes in the game, her third game this season with five or more three-pointers. She added three rebounds, an assist and a block as well. It was her 11th game this season in double figures.
Stat of the Game
All 11 players who played for the Eagles had at least two points, and Georgia Southern enjoyed a 34-7 advantage in bench points over the Chanticleers.
Quotables
Senior Le'Andrea Gillis on the Senior Day win
"I think it's amazing, I came in as a transfer, and with the season coming up, I just wanted it to be a good year. This team, these coaches - I wouldn't trade them for anything. And these amazing fans. It feels good to come out and get a win on Senior Night. I just don't want this season to be over yet."
Next Up
The Eagles hit the road for their final two regular season games, beginning on Wednesday with an 8 p.m. Sun Belt Conference contest at South Alabama in Mobile, Ala.
