ATLANTA (Dec. 28) ? It was a perfect 10 for Georgia State sophomore forward Shay Rawls that propelled the Panthers to a 64-63 win over Mississippi Valley State and into the Saturday championship game of the 14th annual Georgia State Invitational.
Rawls was a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line, including the two game- winning free throws with 8.7 seconds left, in her 16-point, 12-rebound effort.
Georgia State was leading, 62-58, with 40 seconds left, but when Michelle Messega hit a basket with 32 seconds and Portia Wilson drained a three-point shot with 24 seconds left, host State found itself behind 63-62. Rawls was fouled and calmly swished both shots to give the Panthers the final lead. Mississippi Valley State turned the ball over in its final possession.
Georgia State (3-7) also got 16 points from junior guard Brittany Hollins and a double-double from freshman forward Chandra Harris of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Panthers will play Alcorn State, a 72-71 come-from-behind winner over Campbell, in the title game. Alcorn State hit the game-winning basket with 15 seconds left.
Mississippi Valley State drops to 4-4. The Devilettes got 18 points from Portia Wilson and 14 points from Ashley Howard.
Rawls was calm in her game-winning attempt. “I just remembered what Coach Henry said and thought about the B.E.E.F. That was to balance my base, get my elbow up, eye the target and finish the shot. I relaxed and did all that and was happy to help the team get the win.”
The game was tied 14 times and the lead changed hands 10 times. Mississippi Valley led at the halftime, 30-28. Georgia State came back and jumped out 45-38 with 13:43 to play, but MVSU answered to tie at 45 with 8:50 to go.
Georgia State hit 19-of-26 from the line and MVSU 18-of-27 as those two free throws were the difference. The Panthers held a 47-37 rebound advantage as they pulled down 22 offensive rebounds.
The Panthers will try for their fourth Invitational tournament championship in the past five years and ninth ever in this 14th annual event. The consolation game will be played Saturday at 2 and the championship game at 4 p.m.
Coach Henry Post Game Quotes:
"I thought the game was within our reach to win towards the end. We made a couple of bad decisions on some late possessions and I told the team to keep their heads up. The team responded and because we were playing well defensively, we were able to get this win...Chandra Harris is a very valuable newcomer. She is so athletic, plays hard and has a good understanding of the game. We are going to see her grow over the course of the season and get more physical and more confident. She is really going to help our team in the next few months....I felt we were going to win this game, even when we found ourselves down. We were able to come back and it says a lot for the character of this young team...We don't get down and frustrated. It was difficult to lose some early-season games. But, early losses can make a team better because you are able to see what mistakes you have made. We were able to come to practice after those losses and see that each was a winnable game for us."
NOTEBOOK:
Georgia State will be seeking a fourth Invitational Tournament championship in the past five years and a ninth in the 14 years of this event.
Rawls double-double was her 3rd of the season and 4th career. Her 16 points tied her career best (third time with 16) and her 12 rebounds tied her second best. Her 8.9 season rebound average leads the team.
Harris became the 8th player to score in double figures this year and the third to post a double-double. Her seven offensive rebounds were a team season-best.
Hollins scored in double figures for the 8th time this season and 40th time in her Panthers' career. She leads the team with a 13.2 average.
Hollins leads the team in free throw shooting (.882 on 15-of-17), but Rawls moved up to .763 with 29-of-38 on the year.
The 19 free throws made today were a season high as were the 22 offensive rebounds (20 vs. Davidson).
Georgia State and Alcorn State will play for the first-time ever in school histories.
