PENSACOLA, FL -- Crystal Henderson and Miklya Tolivert both scored career highs to lead Georgia State in its 65-62 win over Old Dominion on Friday afternoon.
"I'm so proud of [Mikyla and Crystal] for how they stepped up and led the team- This is what it's about in this time of the season," said head coach Gene Hill. "If you don't know them, you will know them after this game."
The Panthers (17-15) had two players score in double figures, led by Crystal Henderson, who had 32 points. Mikyla Tolivert tacked on a double-double with 28 points and 10 rebounds and Mahogany Matthews added two steals and six blocks.
The Georgia State women's basketball team rallied from a 48-45 deficit after the third quarter to take down the Monarchs.
Led by Tolivert's three offensive rebounds, Georgia State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 12 boards that resulted in nine second chance points.
The Georgia State defense held Old Dominion shooters to only 33.9 percent from the field, including 22.2 percent from three-point range. The Panthers also kept Kelsey Thompson to 4-of-14 shooting in the game.
How It Happened
After falling behind 10-6, Georgia State went on a 6-0 run with 3:09 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Henderson, to take a 12-10 lead. The Panthers then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 13-12.
Old Dominion kept adding to that lead, building a 22-17 advantage before Georgia State went on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three from Henderson, to tie the game at 22. Old Dominion then took control, putting the Panthers at a 33-29 disadvantage heading into halftime.
Old Dominion continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 41-36 advantage before Georgia State went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Henderson, to tie things up at 41 with 2:55 to go in the third. The Panthers could not advance their rally further as the Monarchs took a 48-45 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Panthers rallied in the game's final frame, outscoring Old Dominion 20-14 and overtaking the Monarchs for good on a Camryn Hill free throw with 00:16 left to grab the 65-62 victory. Georgia State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 12 of its 20 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» Mikyla Tolivert notched an impressive double-double for the Panthers with 28 points and 10 rebounds.
» The Panthers rallied from a three-point 48-45 third quarter deficit to pick up the win.
» The Panthers held the Monarchs to only 33.9 percent shooting from the field.
» Crystal Henderson, Mikyla Tolivert, and Mya Williams combined to account for 98 percent of the Panthers points.
» The Georgia State defense forced 17 turnovers.
» The Panthers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording six blocks as a team.
» Georgia State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Crystal Henderson had a game-high 32 points and Mikyla Tolivert added 28.
» Mikyla Tolivert nabbed 10 rebounds to lead Georgia State and Cheyenne Holloman added 8.
The Panthers advance to game nine of the SBC Championship tournament against Coastal Carolina on March 8 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
