LAKEWOOD, N.J. - - Tre Hawkins' third double-double of the season wasn't enough as Georgian Court took down the Wilmington University men's basketball team, 86-78, to split the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference series on Wednesday night inside the Wellness Center.
Tre Hawkins scored 30 points to go with 13 rebounds for his third double-double this season and second against the Lions (4-18, 3-8 CACC). It is the first time a Wildcat has scored 30 or more points since Amiri Stewart last February against Dominican.
Denim Perkins hit a three-pointer to give the Wildcats their largest lead of the game, 17-9, with 13:30 to play in the first half. But the Lions turned that around with a 13-0 run to take a 22-17 lead with 9:57 to play in the first half. Jaylin Horsey and Izaiah Credle cut the deficit to a single point, but another 12-2 spurt pushed the Lions' first half lead out to 38-27. Manir Waller ended the half on a 5-0 run himself, putting in a layup and then hitting all three free throws after being fouled as time expired. The Wildcats went into the half trailing, 43-37.
Georgian Court pushed the lead back out to 11 points early in the second half. A bucket form Waller and free throws form Hawkins brought the Wildcats to within 57-51, with 10:44 on the clock, but the Lions answered the call again, quickly pushing the lead back out to double figures.
They took their largest lead of the game, 73-55, with 4:51 to play. Justin Perez converted a three-point play to trim the deficit back to within single digits, 76-67, with 2:47 to play. Izaiah Credle made it a seven-point game, 81-74, with 59 seconds left and the Wildcats came up with another steal on the inbounds but couldn't convert. The Lions wouldn't let the Wildcats get any closer, closing out the contest.
Izaiah Credle finished with 16 points off the bench for the Wildcats, adding eight rebounds as well. Denim Perkins started hot with a pair of three-pointers, finishing with 12 points, three rebounds, and five assists. Manir Waller added eight points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Georgian Court shot 53.8 percent from the floor in the second half, finishing 30-for-60 for the game.
The Wildcats return home for their next contest, welcoming Felician to the WU Athletics Complex on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats and Golden Falcons are set for a 3:00 p.m. tip in Newark.