ATLANTA (Nov. 30) – Georgia State used a 15-2 run in the first eight minutes of the second half in producing a third win in its last four games by a 70-60 score over Savannah State (5-5).

After a first half with five ties and seven lead changes, the visitors held a 26-25 advantage over the host Panthers. But, it took Georgia State just 75 seconds to run off eight quick points with a pair of three-point baskets from Ryan McBride and Leonard Mendez.

State's 15-2 run pushed the score to 40-28. They built it on to 46-31 to finish a 21-5 run with just 8:42 left in the game. To that point, Savannah State had just one second half bucket.

But, the visiting Tigers scrambled back to 50-45 and 54-48 before another trey by McBride and a Lance Perique lay-up put State back up 59-48 with 2:21.

Sophomore guard Leonard Mendez tied his personal best with 19 points to lead the offense and sophomore forward Rashad Chase tied his personal best with 12 rebounds to lead the defense. Perique added 15 points and point guard Ron Larris contributed 11 points.

For Savannah State, guard Joseph Flegler led with 17 points and forward Joshua Obiajunwa provided 11 points. Leading scorer Javon Randolph was held to 2-of-14 shooting and netted just eight points.

“ We got a better defensive effort to start the second half and executed our offense a little better. We certainly struggled some in the first half, but our defense kept us in the game until the offense could get going,” said coach Michael Perry. “Now, we've got a quick turnaround to get ready for a league game.”

Georgia State will play its first Colonial Athletic Association game when it travels to New York for a Saturday 4 p.m. TV game (MSG-TV) with preseason league favorite, Hofstra.

NOTEBOOK:
Lance Perique continued his streak of scoring in double figures in every game this season. Rashad Chase had double figures in rebounds for a third time in the last four games and leads the CAA in rebounding. Ryan McBride started in place of Brandon Cartwright, who sprained an ankle in practice earlier in the week. McBride knocked down three-of-six three-point baskets for his nine points and leads the team now with 12 treys. Deven Dickerson (asthma) played his most minutes of the young season (17) with six rebounds and four blocks. Forward Justin Billingslea continues to sit this first semester (academics), but is expected back in a few weeks.