BARNESVILLE, Ga. – Andrew College started off strong to begin the second half and broke open a close game to take an 80-68 win over Gordon State in Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) men's basketball action here Saturday afternoon.

GSC built a 42-39 lead at halftime, but Andrew came out strong to begin the second half and outscored the Highlanders 18-2 over the first six minutes to build a 57-44 advantage.

GSC was able to battle back and eventually got the Andrew lead down to 74-68 with 49.7 seconds remaining on a three-pointer by JahNile Hill (Manchester, Ga. / Manchester HS), who finished with 19 points.

But the Tigers hit six free throws down the stretch to secure the 12-point win.

Varun Danak (Snellville, Ga. / Brookwood HS) led GSC with a double-double, including a team-high 21 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.

Cameron Cabarrus led all scorers with 31 points while Johntovious Chester had 22 for Andrew (3-7 overall, 1-6 GCAA).

GSC (4-5, 4-5) and Andrew meet again on Tuesday in Cuthbert, Ga., in a 7 p.m. contest.

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The Gordon State College Department of Athletics is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA). Gordon State College competes in NJCAA Division I in the sports of Women's Soccer (Fall), Men's Basketball (Fall/Spring), Softball (Spring) and Baseball (Spring). Gordon State College is located in Barnesville, Ga., approximately 60 miles south of Atlanta and 35 miles northwest of Macon. Gordon State College offers both two-year and four-year degree programs and believes that our Athletics program provides student-athletes with the opportunity to be successful academically, athletically and in life after their time as a Highlander.  Follow GSC Athletics at www.gscathletics.com, on Facebook (@GordonStateCollege #GSCHighlandersForward), on Twitter (@GordonState) and Instagram (gordon_state).