In a shocking turn of events, Georgia State pulled off a stunning upset over Marshall, defeating the Thundering Herd 81-73 at the GSU Convocation Center. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Panthers, as they took down a team ranked 115 spots higher in the net rankings. The win is all the more impressive considering Georgia State's 9-12 record coming into the game, while Marshall boasted a 12-7 record.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with both teams scoring 38 points to head into the break tied. However, Georgia State came out strong in the second half, outscoring Marshall 43-35 to secure the win. Jelani Hamilton was the star of the show for the Panthers, scoring 23 points to lead his team to victory. He was supported by solid performances from Jakai Newton and Micah Tucker, who chipped in with 13 points and 7 rebounds, and 13 points and 5 rebounds, respectively.
Marshall's Wyatt Fricks did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Landen Joseph and Noah Otshudi also made significant contributions, scoring 15 and 11 points, respectively. Despite these efforts, the Thundering Herd were unable to overcome the Panthers' strong second-half performance.
The upset win is a major boost for Georgia State's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 3 victory. On the other hand, the loss is a setback for Marshall, as it falls into Quadrant 4. This result will likely have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances, with Georgia State gaining valuable momentum and Marshall facing a tougher road ahead.
It's worth noting that there was no pre-game prediction available for this matchup, making the outcome all the more surprising. The Panthers' ability to take down a team like Marshall, which has been performing well this season, is a reflection of their strength and determination.
As the season progresses, this win will be a key factor in Georgia State's tournament hopes. The Panthers have shown that they can compete with and beat teams ranked higher than them, which will undoubtedly give them confidence in their abilities. Meanwhile, Marshall must regroup and refocus in order to get back on track. For now, Georgia State can bask in the glory of their impressive upset victory, which will undoubtedly be a highlight of their season. The win improves Georgia State's resume, making them a more compelling case for tournament consideration, while Marshall's loss raises questions about their ability to perform against lower-ranked opponents.