ATLANTA-- Jelani Hamilton notched a career-high 38 points to lead the Panthers over the Arkansas State Red Wolves 82-81 at home Saturday afternoon.

"Arkansas State is probably the best team in our league, and for our guys to show that level of fight is unbelievable," head coach Jonas Hayes said.

Hamilton added four steals to his 38 point game to lead the Panthers. Joah Chappelle helped out with 13 points and two steals and Micah Tucker chipped in with 10 points and five assists.

The Panthers shared the ball well in Saturday's game, racking up 15 assists on 25 made field goals. Individually, Malachi Brown dished out the most for the Panthers with five assists.

The Georgia State defense caused its share of mistakes in Saturday's game, forcing 14 Arkansas State turnovers while committing seven. Those takeaways turned into 24 points on the offensive end of the floor. Hamilton's four steals led the way individually for the Panthers.

How It Happened

After falling behind 20-5, Georgia State went on a 7-0 run with 14:17 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Tucker, to narrow its deficit to 20-12. The Panthers then closed the rest of the gap and grabbed a 38-36 lead heading into halftime. Georgia State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down six shots to account for 18 of its 38 points.

Arkansas State proceeded to take a 76-75 lead before Georgia State went on a 5-0 run to seize an 80-76 lead with 31 seconds to go in the contest. The Red Wolves narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Panthers still held on for the 82-81 win. Georgia State shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting six shots from deep to score 18 of its 44 points.

Game Notes

» The Panthers shot well from three point range, knocking down 12 of 27 long range attempts.
» Georgia State recorded 15 total assists in the game.
» Jelani Hamilton and Joah Chappelle carried the load for the Panthers, accounting for 62 percent their points.
» The Georgia State bench made an impact by scoring 26 points to its scoring output.
» The Georgia State defense forced 14 turnovers.
» Georgia State turned the ball over seven times while dishing out 15 assists.
» Jelani Hamilton led the Panthers with a game-high 38 points.
» Georgia State got a team-high four rebounds from Joah Chappelle.

The Panthers look to keep the ball rolling on the road with a two-game road swing at Louisiana (Jan. 29) and South Alabama (Jan. 31).