Chargers Drop Heartbreaker to Tigers

The Georgia Highlands men’s basketball team came up just shy in a hard-fought battle Saturday afternoon, falling 79-76 to Chattanooga State in Rome, GA. The loss drops GHC to 2-7 on the season, while the Tigers improve to 6-1.

Both teams traded punches throughout the first half, with each building its largest lead of the game before the break. Chattanooga State jumped out fast, grabbing a 10-point advantage just three minutes in. The Chargers responded, clawing back to take a 7-point lead with under four minutes remaining in the half. But the Tigers rallied again and regained control before heading into the locker room.

The second half belonged largely to GHC. Behind clutch three-pointers and stifling defense, the Chargers surged ahead by seven with eight minutes to play. However, Chattanooga State mounted one final push, and by the closing minute, GHC trailed by three—a gap they couldn’t quite close.

Joshua Bryant (Dominion Christian HS) and Justin Goudelock (Athens Christian) paced the Chargers offensively with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Braylen Smith (Augusta Christian HS) anchored the defense, tallying 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks, while also dishing out 10 assists.

Georgia Highlands will look to bounce back on the road Tuesday night against Lurleen B. Wallace (AL). Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CST.