Story by Matt Potak
The defending ABA National Champion Jacksonville Giants started 2020 with ferocity. The Giants powered past the Georgia Gwizzlies 114-59. The win puts Jacksonville at 11-0 on the season. Defensively, Jacksonville was flawless, holding Georgia to a season low 59 points.
“This was a very good game,” said Giants head coach Jerry Williams. “The guys played great and kept focus throughout the game.”
Jacksonville dominated the game from start to finish and kept Georgia contained. The Giants were strong on the boards, out rebounding the Gwizzlies 54-21. Travis McConico and Aaron Bowen combined for 18 rebounds on the night. Both players were vicious on the inside and out-manned Georgia.
McConico ended the game with a double-double of 11 rebounds and a team high 22 points. McConico landed two three pointers and converted all of his free throws. Five players scored in double digits for Jacksonville. Rounding out the top scorers were; Miguel Paul (17 points), Maurice Mickens (16 points), and Brent Williams (14 points).
Paul, Mickens, and Williams combined for nine total three pointers on the night. Each of them landed three each. The long range baskets played a huge part in the overwhelming win. As a team, Jacksonville was 12 for 41 at the three point line.
While the offense played strong, the Giants defense was stronger as the reigning champs held Georgia to their lowest scoring output all season. Jacksonville was tough and overwhelmed Georgia with one of the strongest efforts on the season. Jacksonville had 26 total steals.
“Holding any opponent to just 59 points shows the positive direction that we are going as a team,” said Williams.
Giants vs Georgia Game Box Highlights
Star of the Game: Newcomer Travis McConico led the Giants with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. He landed two three pointers and made all of his free throws. McConico also contributed with three assists and three steals.
Turning Point: Jacksonville cruised with a lopsided first half, keeping the Gwizzlies out of the game. Mickens, Williams, and Paul were unstoppable from three point land and the Giants defense remained stingy.
On Defense: Tonight’s win was the Giants best defensive performance of the season. Jacksonville had 30 defensive rebounds and a team high 26 steals. The team high 26 steals were the highest steal total of the season. Clarence Tillman and Bernard Nugent both had six steals each with Williams adding five steals.
Up Next:
Jacksonville finishes their weekend Georgia toad trip with a showdown with the Atlanta Heat on Sunday evening. 6:00 p.m. tip-off. Jacksonville returns to the Sunshine state next week with an off site game in Putnam County vs Pensacola.
Upcoming Home Games: The Giants will celebrate their 2019 championship with Champions Night on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the Veterans Memorial Arena hosting the #4 ranked Baltimore Hawks and have their championship ring ceremony and banner unveiling.
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