STATESBORO, GA -- Freshman Crystal Henderson posted a team-high 20 points to lead Georgia State to a 74-66 road win against in-state rival Georgia Southern on Wednesday night.
Mya Williams hit a dagger 3-pointer with 1:52 left in the game to put Georgia State up 68-61. From there, the Panthers controlled the court to lead GSU to its fifth conference win of the season.
"Anytime you can get a win, especially on the road to Southern, is something to be really proud of," head coach Gene Hill said.
Led by Henderson with 20 points, three rebounds and two steals, the Panthers (11-7, 5-3) had three players score double digits. Williams notched 15 points and and three rebounds, followed by Mikyla Tolvert who chipped in with 11 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Henderson pulled down two offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Georgia State, grabbing 11 boards and turning them into four second chance points. Henderson
"We've been working on upping our defense, and tonight they showed up with great energy," Hill said.
The Georgia State defense caused its share of mistakes in Wednesday's game, forcing 16 Georgia Southern turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 16 points on the other end of the floor. Alyssa Phillip's three steals led the way individually for the Panthers.
How It Happened
After falling behind 5-3, Georgia State went on a 7-0 run with 7:40 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Henderson, to take a 10-5 lead. Georgia Southern then responded to tie things up at 20-20 heading into the second quarter. Georgia State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of its 20 points close to the basket.
The two teams then played an even second quarter as well and entered halftime with the score knotted up at 32-32. Georgia State dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 12 points close to the basket.
The two teams each put up 19 points in the third quarter, leaving the game tied at 51-51 heading to the fourth. Georgia State played well near the basket, scoring 18 of its 19 points in the paint.
Georgia Southern then snagged a 55-53 advantage before Georgia State responded by going on a 6-0 run to seize a 59-55 lead with 6:58 to go in the contest. The Panthers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 74-66 win. Georgia State took advantage of four Georgia Southern turnovers in the quarter, scoring eight points off of those takeaways.
Game Notes
» GSU snapped a four-game losing streak against the Eagles.
» The Panthers outscored Georgia Southern 15-23 in the fourth quarter to break a 51-51 third quarter tie.
» The Panthers held the Eagles to only 34.7 percent shooting from the field.
» The Georgia State bench came alive by scoring 23 points to its scoring output.
» Georgia State had a 43-42 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Georgia State defense forced 16 turnovers.
» Georgia State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Crystal Henderson led the Panthers with a game-high 20 points.
» Georgia State got nine rebounds from both Alyssa Phillip and Mikyla Tolivert.
The Panthers look to extend their win steak and close out the four-game road series at Old Dominion on Jan. 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET
