ATLANTA - Trying to finish a three-game home stand with a third straight win, Georgia State misfired and dropped a 67-63 decision to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Saturday in the GSU Sports Arena.
The Panthers had won the first two by shooting well outside the arc (14-of-30, 47%) and at the free throw line (45-of-53, 85%). Tonight, those shots went astray, making just 6-of-20 3-point shots (30%) and just 13-of-18 free throws (72%).
These slow-tempo Ragin' Cajuns capitalized, hitting 52.4% in the second half (11-of-21) and 10-of-13 free throws (77%) to garner a third straight win of their own. Many of UL's shots were as the shot clock was about to expire.
After a 33-28 halftime lead, UL surged to a 53-37 lead at 9:02 and appeared like they might run away with the game. But, host Georgia State wouldn't give up and finally started making some shots down the stretch.
GSU erased a 10-point deficit of 63-53 at 2:39 with a 8-1 run that had narrowed it to a one-point game at 64-61 with 41.5 seconds left. Georgia State got the ball back and the school's season free throw record holder and career record holder from the line, Ashley Watson, was fouled with 31.5 seconds left and a chance to make it a one-point game. On this night, the amazing shooter missed not one, both both shots. But, teammate Kayla Nolan was there to grab the rebound and give GSU yet another chance, But on this night, she was called for an offensive foul driving to the basket.
A free throw by UL's Brooklyn Arceneaux and then a miss made it 65-61 with 11.9 seconds. GSU's Long drove for a lay-up to make it 65-63 with three ticks still left. But, Arceneaux made both free throws to seal the victory.
GSU probably won't care if it is ever on TV again this year. While now being 8-6 in the Sun Belt Conference, GSU lost to 10th place UT Arlington on TV three weeks ago and now falls to 9th place UL tonight.
"First, give the credit to Louisiana because they played to win and made their plays," coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener said. "I thought we were lackadaisical most of the game and lacking our usual intensity until the very end. We had opportunities to score inside and out and didn't. We didn't play defense as well as we should have. I know it's kind of tough to play four games in eight days, but you have to have the mental toughness to fight through that. I am proud that we came back at the end and tried to make plays to win, but it was a little too late."
Georgia State (8-6, 12-14) got 18 points and five rebounds from Kendra Long, but on just 5-of-14 shooting. Point guard Alisha Andrews added 10 points, but hit just 3-of-9 shots. Center Brittany Logan had 12 rebounds and nine points in just 23 minutes, limited by early foul trouble and being behind and needing pressure defense.
The Ragin' Cajuns (6-9, 13-13) were led by 19 points from Brooklyn Arceneaux on 6-of-13 field goals and 7-of-8 free throws. Kia Wilridge added 13 points of 5-of-10 shooting.
Georgia State held a 36-31 rebound advantage with 12 offensive boards. The Panthers head to Texas next week for re-matches with UT Arlington and Texas State.
