ATLANTA — The Georgia State women's basketball team (9-14, 4-7 SBC) carried a 52-45 lead into the fourth quarter, but could not hold off a late surge, falling 68-59 to the Texas State Bobcats (10-11, 6-5 SBC) at home Saturday afternoon inside the GSU Convocation Center.
The Panthers placed two players in double figures, led by Crystal Henderson's game-high 21 points to go along with four assists and two steals. Ari Dyson followed with 13 points and two steals, while Cheyenne Holloman posted a strong all-around effort with eight points and eight rebounds.
Holloman was especially active on the offensive glass, pulling down six offensive rebounds as Georgia State generated second-chance opportunities throughout the contest. The Panthers finished with 13 offensive boards, converting them into 12 second-chance points.
Defensively, Georgia State created problems for Texas State, forcing 19 turnovers while committing just 14 of its own. Those takeaways translated into 17 points on the offensive end. Kaleigh Addie led the Panthers defensively with two stealss
How It Happened
Georgia State answered an early 4-2 deficit with a 6-0 run midway through the first quarter. The Bobcats responded to even the score, and the teams entered the second quarter tied at 16-16. Georgia State found early success in the paint, scoring 10 of its 16 first-quarter points near the basket.
After Texas State briefly moved ahead 23-21 before the Panthers responded with a 9-0 run, regaining control at 30-23. Georgia State added to the margin late in the half and went into the locker room with a 40-30 lead, again doing most of its damage inside with 14 of its 24 points coming inside the paint.
The Panthers continued their momentum out of halftime, opening the third quarter on a 6-0 run to push the lead to 46-30 with 5:54 remaining. Texas State trimmed the deficit before the end of the period, but Georgia State still held a 52-45 advantage entering the fourth. The Panthers scored eight of their 12 third-quarter points in the paint.
Texas State erased the deficit in the final quarter, outscoring Georgia State down the stretch to secure a 68-59 comeback victory. The Panthers struggled to find rhythm offensively in the closing period, managing just one three-pointer as Texas State closed the game on a decisive run.
Game Notes
» The Georgia State defense forced 19 turnovers.
» Georgia State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Crystal Henderson led the Panthers with 21 points.
» Georgia State got a team-high eight rebounds from Cheyenne Holloman.
Up Next
The Panthers begin a three-game road swing Wednesday, opening the stretch in Monroe, La., with a matchup against ULM. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 4.
