ATLANTA, Ga. – Senior Brandon Gabriel scored 25 points helping the Spalding University (1-1) men's basketball team top Toccoa Falls (5-1), 71-67.

The Golden Eagles were outshot for the second game in a row (46%-45%), but they made up for it on the boards, out rebounding Toccoa 41-26 creating 19 second chance points.

Renaldo Moore, Jametrius Moore and Gabriel combined for 27 rebounds. Renaldo Moore had a team-high 11 boards and added 10 points, earning his first double-double of the season. Jametruis Moore and Gabriel collected eight rebounds apiece.

The Golden Eagles struggled early, letting Toccoa jump out to a 25-12 lead twelve minutes into the first half. However, Gabriel took over the last eight minutes scoring 11 points to help SU outscore Toccoa 22-8 to end the half and take a 34-33 lead into the break.

Brandon Goeing knocked down a three pointer to start the second half, and the Golden Eagles raced out to a 47-35 lead following a Gabriel jumper. Toccoa's Josh Barrett scored seven points and Derek Westfall added four to help the Screaming Eagles out score SU 11-2 cutting Spalding's lead to three points with 10:29 to play. A Chad Sellars tip in and Gabriel layup helped push SU's lead back to seven points, but a Westfall and Barrett 7-0 run knotted the score at 59. A pair of R. Moore free throws put Spalding back on top, but Barrett countered with a triple to put Toccoa back out front. Nevertheless, J. Moore matched it to put SU back up two. Again, Barrett answered converting a three point play to give Toccoa a 65-64 lead. After another exchange, SU trailed 67-66, but senior forward Renaldo Moore's layup put the Golden Eagles ahead for good and three Victor Cosby free throws put the game out of reach.  

The Golden Eagles will take off 11 days before hosting Birmingham-Southern Wednesday, November 26. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at Derek Smith Gymnasium (DSG). Catch the action live on Spalding All-Access.