Blumenthal’s 21 Powers Bobcats Past Paine, 67-61

AUGUSTA, Ga. (GCSU RELEASE) – In a much more defensive-minded matchup than the night before, the Georgia College men’s basketball team (2-1) edged out Paine College (2-1) 67-61 to wrap up the school’s Paine College Classic, an eight-team two-day tournament.

Sophomore Ryan Blumenthal (Kennesaw, Ga.) scorched the net for 21 points, hitting five threes among his 8-for-14 shooting overall to lead all scorers. Larrentis Thomas (McDonough, Ga.) had another great showing off the bench, pulling in a game-best 15 rebounds to go with 10 points for the sophomore’s second-straight double-double.

Senior Royal Thomas (LaGrange, Ga.) had 14 points to go with a career-high seven assists, rounding out the team’s double-digit scorers.

Royal Thomas, Larrentis Thomas and Terrell Harris (Indiantown, Fla.) combined for seven made free throws in the final 50 seconds to help seal the win. Harris finished with six points, all on free-throws, and nine rebounds.

The Bobcats shot 36 percent (22-61) from the floor, with the Lions shooting slightly better at 38 percent (24-64). Georgia College controlled the boards 46-38 and made seven threes to Paine’s three.

The Lions were led by 16 points off the bench from Darius Smith, adding seven caroms. Kenny Fluellen had 12 and Sean Morgan 10 and eight rebounds.

The Bobcats are back in action Monday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., kicking off the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) season at Francis Marion University.