ATLANTA, GA -- Veteran post player Alyssa Phillip banked a season-first 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter to clinch a 73-68 win over Appalachian State at home on Saturday. 

"I'm really proud of the effort today," head coach Gene Hill said. "I felt [all of our players] contributed by coming in and playing some heavy minutes throughout the game."

The Georgia State women's basketball team rallied from a 54-49 deficit after the third quarter to take down the Mountaineers.

The Panthers (9-6, 3-2) had three players score in double figures, led by Mikyla Tolivert, who had 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Mya Williams tacked on 13 points and Crystal Henderson chipped in as well with 12 points and two steals.

Led by Williams' three offensive rebounds, Georgia State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in nine second chance points.

Georgia State did a great job disrupting Appalachian State shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Deasia Merrill's three rejections led the way individually for the Panthers.

How It Happened

After falling behind 6-2, Georgia State went on a 5-0 run with 5:39 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Erin Turral, to take a 7-6 lead. The Panthers then added two points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 14-11 advantage. Georgia State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down two shots to account for six of its 14 points.

The Panthers used the second period to increase their lead and entered halftime with a 32-27 edge. Georgia State dominated in the paint, scoring 12 of its 18 points close to the basket.

Georgia State then lost its advantage in the third quarter and trailed the Mountaineers 54-49 entering the fourth. Georgia State took advantage of three Appalachian State turnovers in the quarter, scoring five points off of takeaways.

Georgia State narrowed its deficit to 62-60 before going on a 10-0 run, finished off by Tolivert's jumper, to seize a 70-62 lead with 30 seconds to go in the contest. The Mountaineers narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Panthers still held on for the 73-68 win. Georgia State took advantage of five Appalachian State turnovers in the quarter, scoring six points off of those takeaways.

Game Notes
» Mya Williams snatched a career-high four rebounds. 
» The Panthers rallied from a five-point 54-49 third quarter deficit to pick up the win.
» Georgia State found success from beyond the arc, knocking down eight treys in the game.
» The Panthers held the Mountaineers to only 39 percent shooting from the field.
» Georgia State had a 46-40 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Georgia State defense forced 19 turnovers.
» The Panthers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Georgia State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Mikyla Tolivert led the Panthers with 18 points.
» Georgia State got a team-high nine rebounds from Mikyla Tolivert.