Mobile, Ala.-Xavier Hansbro scored a career-high 21 points to lead Georgia State to a 59-52 victory over Utah Valley in the first round of the South Alabama Thanksgiving Classic Wednesday at the Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala.

The Panthers (3-3) now play Thursday at 5 p.m. ET against the winner of tonight's game between Alcorn State and host South Alabama, an 83-67 winner over Alcorn State.

"I'm really proud of our kids. This was our fourth road game in six days, and we gutted out a win," said GSU head coach Rod Barnes. "I think our depth really played a factor, and in the second half, we did a good job of getting the ball inside to Xavier Hansbro."

The Panthers turned in another strong defensive effort, holding Utah Valley (1-3) to just 32 percent shooting from the field, including 27 percent (8-for-30) in the second half.

Hansbro, the senior from Trezevant, Tenn., scored 14 of his 21 in the second half and also contributed seven rebounds and two blocked shots.

Leading 32-31 early in the second half, the Panthers scored 11 straight points while holding Utah Valley scoreless for 10 minutes to build a 43-31 lead. Hansbro scored the first nine points on the run, and then Jihad Ali's steal and dunk put GSU up by 12 points with eight minutes to play.

Dante Curry came off the bench to score 10 points for the Panthers, all in the first half to help GSU take a 30-27 lead into the locker room. Backup point guard Marques Johnson played 27 minutes off the bench, including most of the second half, and contributed six points, five rebounds and five assists.

"I think our depth really played a factor," said Barnes. "We were fortunate to be able to play some other guys. Marques did a really good job; that's what we're looking for from him. And it was great to see Dante hit some shots."

Trae Goldston added eight points for Georgia State, and Trey Hampton collected four points, three rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals.

Corey Claitt led Utah Valley with 13 points.

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