Titans repeat as GCAA Champions
Cuthbert, Georgia -
The CGCT Titans found themselves in familiar territory Saturday afternoon with a 75-65 victory over Georgia Highlands College and they are heading back to the NJCAA national tournament for the second consecutive year as the GCAA Region 17 Men's Basketball Champions. The Titans win also marked the second title for the Titans in the program's history.
The Titans relied on the experience of returning sophomores Anyeuri Castillo and Evins Desir who both were forces in the paint during the game. CGTC took and early 10-point lead in the first half but the Chargers cut the margin to four.
In the second half the Titans were able to pull away from GHC with another offensive run and scoring from sophomore forward Aaron Ridley. Ridley came off the bench and added 12 points.
The Titans extended the lead to 19 with points in the paint and from the charity stripe.
During the second half run, CGTC outscored Georgia Highlands 50-34 with points in the paint and shot 80 percent from the charity stripe, making 15 of their 20 attempts. The Titans had four players score in double digits. Aaron Ridley scored a team high 16 points earning tournament MVP honors. DeJon Waters play led to a All-Tournament selection with his double-double performance. Waters scored 15 points, 11 rebounds four assists, two steals and one block. Anyeuri Castillo finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Evins Desir added 12 points and five rebounds.
With the win the Titans earned an automatic birth to the NJCAA national tournament in Hutchinson, KD March 18-23.