ATLANTA-Eric Buckner scored 15 points and Brandon McGee and Marques Johnson added 12 points each as Georgia State won its second straight game with a 69-56 victory over Utah Valley on Tuesday at the GSU Sports Arena.
Buckner, the 6-10 junior college transfer, went 5-for-6 from the field and 5-for-5 from the free throw line. He also grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots to lead a solid defensive effort for the Panthers (2-1).
"Eric did a really good job, especially at the free throw line," said GSU head coach Rod Barnes. "He had been struggling at the line, but he has been working at it, and tonight it showed.
"This was a tough, physical game, and our guys really fought through it, so it was a good win," continued Barnes. "Our depth really helped us, especially up front."
Georgia State led 37-34 early in the second half when McGee scored eight straight points with a pair of three-pointers sandwiched around a layup to push the GSU lead to 45-37 with 11 minutes left.
With the Panthers still holding just a six-point lead at 52-46 with seven minutes to go, freshman Devonta White, who finished with 10 points, nailed a three-pointer and then Buckner completed a three-point play that put GSU ahead, 58-48, with 6:35 to play. From there, GSU maintained its double-digit lead the rest of the way.
Georgia State shot 44 percent from the field, including 6-for-14 from three-point range, forced 20 Utah Valley turnovers and outrebounded the Wolverines, 36-20, including 16 offensive rebounds.
"We had some guys really go to the glass tonight, and that was one of the differences in the game," said Barnes.
Holton Hunsaker scored 12 points to lead Utah Valley (0-3).
With the game tied at 27-27 late in the first half, GSU scored six straight points, including Javonte Maynor's three-pointer that put the Panthers ahead 33-27 with 29 seconds left. Rory Fannon hit a jumper at the buzzer for Utah Valley, sending Georgia State to the locker room with a 33-29 lead.
Georgia State continues its homestand Saturday, hosting Samford at 7:30 p.m. at the GSU Sports Arena. Any fan that brings a non-perishable item to the Sports Arena Box Office will receive a pair of tickets for the price of one. The offer is good only on game day for either the Georgia State Women's Basketball Thanksgiving Tournament or the men's basketball game against the Bulldogs.
The Panthers have won six of eight at home dating back to last season.
GeorgiaStateSports.com
