Panthers Claw Back, Beat Southern 82-77

The Georgia State Panthers (14-6, 7-3 in Sun Belt) erased a 15-point deficit to defeat rival Georgia Southern Eagles (13-7, 6-4 in Sun Belt) 82-77. The win moves the Panthers into second place outright, one game behind the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Trojans. 

 The Panthers got off to a slow start in the second half, trailing 66-51 with 12:58 remaining in the game. Georgia State would use a 31-11 run to overtake the Eagles to get back in the game and eventually take the lead. Georgia Southern had ample chances to put the Panthers away, but couldn’t get the job done. including 4 straight free throw attempts with 5:38 remaining. The Eagles were given 4 free throws after a common foul on Josh Linder of Georgia State and a technical foul on Kavonte Ivory. The Eagles missed all four, and would turn the ball over on the ensuing offensive possession. 

 The Panthers were led on offense by Kane WIliams who scored 15 points, and hit important free throws down the stretch to put the Eagles away. Damon Wilson and Justin Roberts each added 13 points, while Corey Allen was the fourth starter to reach double figures. 

 The Panthers slow start was attributed to the Eagles using a 2-3 zone in the first half. It was an off night for the Panthers from 3, shooting only 26.9% on the game. The field goal percentage wasn’t great, but the Panther defense came alive in the second half forcing 10 turnovers and holding the Eagles to under 40% from the floor and 30% from 3pt range. 

 The Panthers could move into a tie for first place with the Little Rock Trojans if the Trojans lose to the South Alabama Jaguars tonight. The Panthers are back home in Atlanta and face those same Jaguars on Thursday January 30th. Tip off is at 7pm EST.