JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Nick McMullen racked up 12 rebounds, but the Georgia State men's basketball team fell to the Austin Peay Governors 62-50 in their opening game at the Jacksonville Classic at The Reef at Florida State College of Jacksonville Tuesday.

The Panthers (3-3) had two players score in double figures, led by Zarique Nutter, who had 17 points. Malachi Brown tacked on 10 points and two steals and Toneari Lane added eight points and three steals.

Georgia State's defense held Austin Peay to only 40 percent shooting from the field. The Governors did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with nine offensive rebounds and managed eight second chance points.

How It Happened

After falling behind 19-12, Georgia State went on a 10-0 run with 9:43 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from McMullen, to take a 22-19 lead. The Panthers then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 32-26.

Austin Peay kept widening its lead after intermission, building a 43-34 advantage before Georgia State went on a 6-0 run to cut the deficit to 43-40 with 7:00 to go in the contest. Austin Peay responded and outscored the Panthers the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 62-50. Georgia State took care of business in the paint, recording 14 of its 24 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» The Panthers held the Governors to only 40 percent shooting from the field.
» Zarique Nutter led the Panthers with 17 points.
» Georgia State got a game-high 12 rebounds from Nick McMullen.

The Panthers play game two of the Jacksonville Classic tomorrow (Wednesday) as they take on Tulsa at 2:30 p.m.