Chargers Fend Off Gordon State in Conference Opener

Georgia Highlands College men’s basketball fought through a slow start and survived a late surge from Gordon State to open conference play with a hard‑earned victory. The win moves the Chargers to 7–8 overall and 1–0 in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association.

Gordon State came out firing, building a 10–0 lead before the first media timeout. GHC immediately answered with an 11–0 run to erase the deficit and seize momentum. The Chargers carried a 36–32 lead into halftime and later stretched the advantage to 18 behind a barrage of three‑pointers.

Gordon State rallied late, however, tying the game in the final minute. With the shot clock winding down, Landen Williams buried a fadeaway jumper to put GHC back in front. On the next defensive possession, Josh Bryant delivered a crucial block. After Gordon State again knotted the score, Braylen Smith stepped to the line and calmly sank two free throws with 0.4 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Smith paced the Chargers with 26 points and three steals, while Justin Rushin added 17 points. On the boards, Justin Goudelock and Williams led the way with 9 and 8 rebounds, respectively.

Georgia Highlands continues conference play on Saturday when the Chargers travel to face East Georgia State College.