ATLANTA -- Cesare Edwards, Zarique Nutter and Nick McMullen each put up a double-double to help lead the Georgia State men's basketball team over the Ball State Cardinals 71-66 at home Monday.

" I appreciate our guys for the level of concentration, effort, attitude and urgency that they brought to this game," head coach Jonas Hayes said. "It was a great way to start the year. 

Georgia State out-rebounded Ball State 49-44 in Monday's game, led by 13 boards from McMullen. The Panthers also collected 14 offensive rebounds and scored nine second chance points.

Georgia State's defense held Ball State to only 32.4 percent shooting from the field, including 24.2 percent from beyond the arc. The Panthers also limited Mickey Pearson Jr. to 4-of-18 shooting in the game.

How It Happened

After falling behind 16-11, Georgia State went on a 6-0 run with 7:55 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from McMullen, to take a 17-16 lead. Ball State then responded to tie things up at 27-27 heading into halftime. Georgia State got the job done in the paint in the first half, scoring 14 of its 27 points close to the basket.

After intermission, Georgia State grabbed a 46-41 lead before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Toneari Lane's layup, to grow its advantage to 52-41 with 10:34 to go in the contest. The Cardinals narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Panthers still held on for the 71-66 win. Georgia State took care of business in the paint, recording 28 of its 44 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» Cesare Edwards, Zarique Nutter, and Nick McMullen all registered double-doubles for the Panthers.
» Georgia State outscored Ball State 44-39 in the second half after a halftime tie to pick up the victory.
» The Panthers held the Cardinals to only 32.4 percent shooting from the field.
» Nick McMullen, Zarique Nutter, and Cesare Edwards, all achieved a double double in the game. McMullen had 10 points and 13 rebounds, Zarique Nutter contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds, and 17 points and 11 rebounds.
» Georgia State had a 49-44 edge on the boards in the win.
» Georgia State turned the ball over six times while dishing out 14 assists.
» Georgia State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» Cesare Edwards led the Panthers with 17 points.
» Three players reached double figures in rebounds for Georgia State. McMullen nabbed 13 rebounds, Zarique Nutter contributed 12, and Cesare Edwards tacked on 11.

The Panthers travel to Starkville, Miss. to take on Mississippi State on Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m.