In a thrilling contest at the Georgia State Convocation Center in Atlanta, the Texas State men’s basketball team achieved a hard-earned victory over the Georgia State University Panthers. Led by Sophomore guard Coleton Benson, the Bobcats secured the win with a final score of 68-59, breaking their three-game losing streak.
According to Texas State Head Coach Terrence Johnson, the game demanded the team’s utmost effort, and the players were lauded for their dedication and competitive spirit. Benson emerged as a standout performer, scoring 17 points with an impressive four-for-eight shooting from beyond the arc and a three-for-four free throw performance.
The win was also buoyed by the contributions of other key players, with Sophomore forward Davion Sykes delivering 14 points, along with 10 rebounds and three steals, and Sophomore guard Jordan Mason adding 15 points to the scoreboard. On the opposing side, Junior guard Dwon Odom led the charge for the Panthers with 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
The intense showdown featured 13 lead changes and six ties in the first half alone. However, Texas State managed to secure a narrow lead of 31-30 as the first half drew to a close, ultimately never trailing again throughout the game. Despite being limited to 37.9% shooting from the field by Georgia State, the Bobcats’ resilience shone through as they capitalized on 10 offensive rebounds, translating to 14 crucial second-chance points.
The Panthers’ downfall came in the form of turnovers, as they committed a season-high of 17 turnovers despite averaging fewer than 10 per game this season. With this victory under their belt, the Texas State team is now gearing up to face the University of Louisiana-Monroe in their upcoming match. Having previously emerged victorious with a 67-54 win in their first encounter, the Bobcats are looking to carry forward the momentum from their recent triumph.
Coach Johnson expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the collective effort that propelled them to success. The Texas State vs. Louisiana-Monroe game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Strahan Arena, with the option to stream the game on ESPN+. The victory over Georgia State has undoubtedly injected the team with a boost of confidence as they look ahead to their upcoming challenges on the court.