ATLANTA-Georgia State fell to Hofstra, 79-68, in a Colonial Athletic Association game Wednesday at the GSU Sports Arena as Pride (16-9, 10-4 CAA) standout Charles Jenkins poured in 28 points.

Jihad Ali scored a season-high 19 points for the Panthers (10-14, 5-9 CAA), and Josh Micheaux just missed his first career double-double with 10 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Jenkins, the reigning CAA Player of the Year, entered the game averaging 23.2 points per game (seventh in the nation), and nearly 30 NBA scouts were on hand to watch him play. The 6-3 guard went 10-of-15 from the field and 5-of-6 from the line, while collecting five rebounds and dishing four steals.

"He is a great player, there is no question about that," commented head coach Rod Barnes. "He does a great job of scoring the basketball and takes his time. We just allowed him too many opportunities tonight."

After trailing by as many as 18 points early in the second half, the Panthers got within six points at 74-68 on a pair of free throws by Eric Buckner with 1:37 left. After Brad Kelleher made one free throw for the Pride, Ali missed a three-point try that would have brought GSU within four with a minute to play. From there, Hofstra made free throws to seal the win.

"I thought we had some opportunities tonight, especially early on, but we missed a few lay-ups and stick-backs that really hurt us. I thought our team got back in the game and we had some guys step up and make some shots, especially in the second half."

Hofstra used hot-shooting to build a big lead as the Pride made 11 of their first 14 shots in the second half. The Pride managed to hit 51 percent for the game, including 9-for-18 from three-point range.

Four Panthers scored in double figures. In addition to Ali and Micheaux, Maynor scored 12 points on four treys and Eric Buckner added 11 points and eight rebounds.

Hofstra also featured four double-figure scorers. Complementing Jenkins were Greg Washington with 13 points, along with five blocked shots, Mike Moore with 12 points and Kelleher with 10. That quartet scored 63 of the Pride's 79 points.

Freshman Devonta White, who saw limited action last week coming off an injury, played 26 minutes, scoring four points and dishing out six rebounds.

Spirit Week continues for Georgia State as the Panthers host Northeastern Saturday at 12 noon (CSS-TV). GSU's NCAA Tournament teams from 1990-91 and 2000-01 will be honored at halftime, and coaches Bob Reinhart (1990-91) and Charles "Lefty" Driesell (2000-01) will be on hand along with team members.

Fans are encouraged to wear red as he men will wear red jerseys to raise awareness for the American Heart Association and candy will be sold to raise money for heart disease. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game, with proceeds going to the AHA.

Red foam fingers and red t-shirts will also be given away to students during the game, while Red Panda, an incredible acrobat, will perform at halftime.

Live radio coverage is available on WRAS-FM 88.5, 30 minutes prior to tip. Live statistics and live video can be followed at GeorgiaStateSports.com.

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