Georgia State picked up its first victory in Sun Belt conference play and fifth consecutive win after defeating Troy 81-72 Thursday at the Sports Arena.
The game marked Georgia State’s first men’s basketball game in the Sun Belt Conference since leaving the conference back in 1981. The Sun Belt was Georgia State sports’ original conference from 1976-81.
Georgia State (8-6) scored 33 points off of Troy’s 23 turnovers committed in the game. Troy (5-8) averaged just over 13 turnovers per game going into the game.
Coach Ron Hunter attributed his team’s victory to the ample turnovers from Troy but was not happy with his team’s effort.
“That was the one reason we won the game,” Hunter said. “As bad as you play, if the other team makes turnovers, you at least can attempt some shots.”
Hunter said the game was the worst his team had played since the 61-60 loss to Florida International in November.
“There’s too much time for these guys over the [winter] break,” Hunter said. “We’ve haven’t been playing at a championship level all year, but we’ve been progressing. I think tonight we took a step back.”
Most of Georgia State’s problems stemmed from defensive issues as the Panthers allowed the Trojans to shoot 46.8 percent, 50 percent on 3-pointers.
Hunter said everything was wrong defensively while citing a lack of energy and guys not helping each other as the most glaring issues.
Georgia State’s offense produced early shooting over 55 percent from the floor in the first half to give Georgia State a comfortable 15-point lead five minutes before halftime.
Troy went on an 11-0 run within the final two minutes of the half that began on a three from senior guard Hunter Williams and cut Georgia State’s lead down to four.
Georgia State was able to hold on to their lead scoring five points in the final two seconds of the half coming from a dunk from Marcus Crider and three free throws from R.J. Hunter.
Sophomore R.J. Hunter continued his recent success on offense scoring 25 points going 2-for-5 on 3-pointers and 7-for-8 at the line.
Hunter made his mark defensively grabbing a career-high seven steals, three rebounds and one block.
Ryan Harrow scored 20 points with seven assists while Curtis Washington scored 10 points and blocked two shots.
Williams led the Trojans with 18 points, all of which came on 3-pointers.
Both teams shot for a lower field goal percentage in the second half while an array of fouls were called as Georgia State committed six fouls in the first six minutes of the half.
However, it was Georgia State’s points on fast breaks in the final minutes of the game that sealed the Panthers victory.
Harrow made a full court pass to Curtis Washington who dunked it followed by Hunter on the fast break to sprint down court and dunk.
Crider made a pair of dunks in the final 36 seconds of the game giving the crowd a show as the game ended.
Georgia State finished with 15 points out of fast breaks.
Georgia State has a quick turnaround as they travel to Mobile, Ala. to face the South Alabama Jaguars who lost Thursday night in their conference opener against Western Kentucky 58-56.
Hunter said he is looking forward to going back on the road because he can control everything his team does.
“I will control every second,” Hunter said on the upcoming road trip. “They will be in bed by 9:15 [Friday]. I guarantee you that.”
Tipoff for South Alabama is set for 5:05 p.m. on Saturday.
