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Georgia State (14-10, 7-10 in the Sun Belt) came within one game changing shot, but they could not pull out the win versus state rival, Georgia Southern (13-14, 9-8 in the Sun Belt). The Panthers lost to the Eagles in Statesboro, Georgia 54-52. The Panthers would have a chance with five seconds remaining, but Isaiah Williams would miss the potential game-tying floater.
Despite missing the key shot, Williams had another great game. Using the momentum from his last game where he posted a season high in points, Williams did so again with 22. He went 9-of-16 from the floor including four 3-pointers and five rebounds. Jeremy Hollowell would pitch in 14 points and nine rebounds, barely missing his second double-double of the season. The Eagles were led by sophomore guard Mike Hughes who posted a good game of 21 points and seven rebounds.
The Panthers played well especially on the defensive side of the ball. They would ratchet up the defensive pressure in the second half, holding the Eagles to only 35 percent shooting and six field goals. Where the problems arose was on the offensive side; the Panthers could not find the net when it mattered and Coach Ron Hunter still hasn’t found a consistent solution to this.
“Once again our defense played outstanding, but we just could not get the baskets to fall when we needed them,” head coach Ron Hunter said according to Georgia State Communications. “If you hold a team to 25 percent shooting in the second half, you should come away with the win, but unfortunately that did not happen tonight.”
Coach Hunter and the Panthers will head back to the drawing board to try and fix this issue by their next game. On Saturday, the Panthers will play host to Appalachian State in their home finale. It will be a big night as it is senior night to four seniors, the Panthers hope to send their fans home happy one last time this season.
