ATLANTA-- Coming off an electric home win over Southern Miss just two days earlier, the Panthers look to build momentum on the season hosting Arkansas State on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2:00 p.m. 

THE SERES: 
Georgia State is 13-6 against Arkansas state after falling 85-59 on the road on Jan. 18, 2025. The two are meeting for the 20th time in program history and the 18th time in Sun Belt conference action. A long-standing series that began in 1995, the Panthers lead the series 13-6. 

The Panthers are on a seven-game win streak at home against the Red Wolves, dating back to 1995.  

TOP STORYLINES: 
Despite a slow start to the season, Georgia State has racked up wins in six of its last eight contests to rank tied for second in the Sun Belt. The Panthers are on a three-game win streak and a two-game win streak on home court.

The Panthers and Red Wolves are both on the hunt for a second place ranking in the Sun Belt. The winner of this matchup will push the other team to third in the conference. 

The Panthers come into play off a 69-62 upset over Southern Miss on Thursday evening to elevate Georgia State to a four-way tie for second in the Sun Belt.

Georgia State finishes off the season with four-straight home contests, tipping off with a rivalry contest against Georgia Southern on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 8:00 p.m.

 

NATIONALLY RANKED IN FREE THROWS: 

Georgia State leads the Sun Belt and ranks No. 12 nationally in free throw efficiency after converting free throws at a 77.9 percent clip.

Helping the Panthers to a national ranking in free throw percentage is Redshirt sophomore Jelani Hamilton, who has a near-prefect 93.4 free throw average after going 99-for-106 at the free-throw line. Hamilton leads the Sun Belt and ranks seventh nationally in free throw efficiency. Hamilton went on a 22-free-throws-made streak from Dec. 20-Jan. 10. His 22 consecutive free throws made ranks eighth in program history, 17 shots away from the record of 38. 

Tucker also tops the Sun Belt rankings in free throw percentage after notching an 87.3  percentage from the line to place second overall against conference opponents.

LEADING THE SUN BELT: 

In addition to leading the Sun Belt and holding a No. 7 national ranking in free throw percentage through yet another week, Jelani Hamilton tops Sun Belt rankings in points per game, and holds top five spots in multiple categories. Hamilton's 18.1 ppg leads the Sun Belt and ranks 78 in the NCAA. 

He is second in the conference and No. 35 in the nation for steals per game with 2.07. His 31 total steals ranks eighth in the conference. Hamilton's 106 total free throws ranks second in the Sun Belt. 

UP NEXT: 

The Panthers hit the road for a week-long road sing at Louisiana (Thurs., Jan. 29) and South Alabama (Sat., Jan. 31) before returning home to open February action hosting Tory (Feb. 4).