Box Score Statesboro, Georgia – The 22^nd-ranked SCAD men's lacrosse team used a strong first half to defeated Georgia Southern Friday night at GSU Intermural Field.  With the win the Bees improve to 5-4 and 2-1 in the SELC, while the Eagles fall to 5-5 and 1-2 in conference play.

SCAD struck first as Brendan Buckley netted an unassisted goal four minutes into the game.  Three minutes later, Jack Cioffi's shot got past the goalie to give the Bees a 2-0 lead.  Georgia Southern scored to cut the lead to 2-1 with 5:03 remaining in the first quarter.  Doug Henry won the ensuing faceoff and on the Bees possession Justin McGinnis ripped a shot in to the top right corner of the cage to give the Bees a 3-1 lead after the opening period. 

SCAD dominated at both ends of the field in the second quarter scoring four goals, while Connor Goonan made five of his 12 saves to shut out the Eagles.  McGinnis scored back-to-back goals, before the Bees took advantage of a Georgia Southern penalty as Reed Abahazie connected with Nate Travis for a man-up goal to extend the lead to 6-1. Shawn Horsey netted an unassisted goal on the Bees next possession to take a 7-1 lead into the break.

The two teams traded goals to start the second half.  SCAD scored four straight goals including two man-up goals to take a 12-2 lead midway through the third quarter.  Georgia Southern responded scoring four unanswered goals to cut the lead to 12-6 with 2:01 left in the third quarter.  SCAD won the ensuing faceoff and Cody Sienkiewicz scored an unassisted goal.  The Eagles responded scoring a goal five seconds later to cut the lead to 13-7 after three quarters.

The two teams traded goals, twice, to begin the final quarter.  CJ Curran and Eric Potts netted back-to-back goals for the 17-9 final.

Abahazie led the Bees netting a hat trick and dishing out a pair of assists.  McGinnis tallied six points and picked up a team-high 13 ground balls, while Cioffi scored three goals. 

Henry went 19-25 on faceoffs and picked up six ground balls.  Goonan improved to 5-4 in the cage and picked up five ground balls in the win. 

The Bees return to action Saturday in their final home game of the season when they host Lindenwood-Bellville. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the SCAD Athletic Complex.