ATLANTA, GA --Cesare Edwards scored 20 points, but the Georgia State men's basketball team fell to the Mercer Bears 71-68 at home Saturday.

The Panthers (4-9) had four players score in double figures, led by Edwards, who had 20 points and two steals. Malachi Brown added 14 points and Zarique Nutter helped out with 14 points and four assists.

Georgia State out-rebounded Mercer 46-36 in Saturday's game, led by 13 boards from Nick McMullen. The Panthers also pulled down 17 offensive rebounds and scored 12 second chance points.

How It Happened

After falling behind 26-16, Georgia State went on a 7-0 run with 7:27 left in the first half to narrow its deficit to 26-23. The Panthers deficit remained the same as they entered halftime trailing 40-37.

Mercer kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 56-47 advantage before Georgia State went on a 14-0 run to seize a 61-56 lead with 6:27 to go in the contest. Mercer re-asserted control, outscoring the Panthers 15-7 the rest of the way to hand Georgia State the 71-68 loss. Georgia State made the most of 12 offensive rebounds to tack on eight second chance points out of 31 total in the period.

Game Notes

» Georgia State lost despite a 46-36 rebounding advantage.

» Georgia State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
» Cesare Edwards led the Panthers with 20 points.
» Georgia State got a game-high 13 rebounds from Nick McMullen.

The Panthers look to bounce back against South Alabama on Jan. 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the GSU Convocation Center.