TIFTON, Ga. - Thomas University closed on a 7-3 run over the final 1:44 and made 33 free throws to beat Georgia Southern East 95-91 on Friday in the ABAC Classic, opening the 2026-27 season at Gressette Gymnasium.
The Night Hawks took a 48-40 advantage at halftime after building a 16-point lead in the first half. Georgia Southern outscored the Night Hawks 51-47 in the second half and led 79-73 with 7:34 left before Thomas answered.
Oakley Lewis Jr. started the comeback with a layup and a free throw to cut the deficit to three. Chris Dorbor then made a steal that set up an and-one for Devon Rainey, who converted and tied the game.
Dorbor's layup later put Thomas up 88-86, but Georgia Southern tied it at 88 with 1:44 to play. Amren Hoard then hit a three-pointer with 1:29 left to put the Night Hawks ahead for good, and Jeremy Anderson sealed it with two free throws with 11 seconds left.
Rainey led Thomas with 19 points and eight rebounds. Walt Hill added 18 points and four assists, and Hoard finished with 14 points. Lewis scored 13 on 5-of-7 shooting, and all five of his rebounds came on the offensive end. Maxx Martinez had 11 points. Dorbor blocked three shots and grabbed seven rebounds.
Thomas shot 50 percent (29 of 58) from the field and went 33 of 43 at the free-throw line. The Night Hawks outscored the Golden Eagles 46-32 in the paint, grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and had five blocks.
Next, the Night Hawks will take on Beacon College tomorrow at 4 p.m. to close out the ABAC Classic.
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