GSU Women's Basketball Photo Credit Dennis Hicken/Focus Sports Photo @deh30a
Dennis Hicken/Focus Sports Photo

Panthers Remain Home Looking to Turn Progress into First Victory

Tip-Off
Georgia State (0-3) vs. Toccoa Falls (2-2)
Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 6 p.m.
GSU Convocation Center | Atlanta, Ga.

ATLANTA — Georgia State returns to the GSU Convocation Center on Wednesday night looking to build on a series of encouraging performances when it hosts Toccoa Falls at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

While the Panthers (0-3) enter the matchup searching for their first victory under first-year head coach Marcilina Grayer, the first week of the season has provided plenty of signs that Georgia State is headed in the right direction.

Two of Georgia State's three losses have come by a combined five points, including an 82-81 season-opening defeat at Buffalo and Sunday's 64-60 setback against Wofford. Against the Terriers, the Panthers erased a 13-point second-half deficit and rallied from eight down entering the fourth quarter before briefly taking the lead late in the game.

The comeback effort was another example of the fight that has quickly become a trademark of Grayer's first Georgia State squad.

"Our ability to fight" was among the positives Grayer highlighted following Sunday's contest as the Panthers continue to develop chemistry with a roster featuring 11 newcomers and just two returning players.

Georgia State's most consistent strength through three games has been its defensive pressure. The Panthers have forced 67 turnovers while ranking among the nation's leaders in steals, averaging 14.7 per game through the opening week of the season.

Sophomore guard Grace Lanier has led the way, averaging a team-best 17.7 points while ranking among the nation's leaders in steals with 13 through three contests. Lanier opened the season with a 32-point performance at Buffalo, tying for the eighth-highest single-game scoring total in program history.

Georgia State has also received contributions throughout the lineup. Aaliyah Baldwin is averaging 9.7 points per game and leads the team with six made three-pointers, while Ana Oliveira Dias has provided steady playmaking with a team-high 12 assists and 12 steals. Junior guard Kenaya Klintman leads the Panthers with 12 rebounds and ranks third on the roster with nine steals.

The Panthers also received a breakout performance from Mariah Knight on Sunday. The Jacksonville transfer scored a career-high 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting against Wofford while adding seven rebounds.

Wednesday's game marks the first meeting between Georgia State and Toccoa Falls. The Screaming Eagles enter the week with a 2-2 record and are led by Jada Wood, who is averaging 20.8 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.

For Georgia State, the focus remains simple: continue building the program's foundation while turning competitive performances into victories.

After pushing Buffalo to the final possession, rallying from double digits at UNC Asheville and nearly completing another comeback against Wofford, the Panthers will look to put together a complete 40-minute effort Wednesday night in front of the home crowd.

By The Numbers
  • 67 — Turnovers forced by Georgia State through three games.
  • 14.7 — Steals per game by the Panthers, ranking among the nation's top teams.
  • 17.7 — Points per game for Grace Lanier, currently leading Georgia State in scoring.
  • 11 — Newcomers on the 2026-27 roster.
  • 5 — Combined margin in Georgia State's two closest losses this season.

 
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