In a stunning turn of events, Georgia State pulled off a significant upset at the GSU Convocation Center, defeating Southern Mississippi 69-62. The Panthers, who were predicted to lose by 2.6 points according to CHD Scout, proved the doubters wrong with a gritty performance led by Jelani Hamilton's 23 points and 7 rebounds. This win is a massive boost for Georgia State's resume, especially considering it was a Quadrant 4 game for both teams.
The first half saw Southern Miss take a narrow 32-30 lead, with Dylan Brumfield pacing the Golden Eagles with 8 points and 3 assists. However, Georgia State adjusted its strategy during the break and came out strong in the second half, outscoring Southern Miss 39-30. Hamilton's dominant performance was complemented by Micah Tucker's 14 points and Malachi Brown's double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Panthers' victory is all the more impressive given Southern Miss's respectable 11-10 record and Net ranking of 229. Georgia State, on the other hand, improved to 8-12, but this win will undoubtedly provide a much-needed confidence boost. The fact that CHD Scout predicted a narrow Southern Miss win makes this upset even more remarkable, as the Panthers defied expectations to secure a crucial victory.
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Dylan Brumfield finished with 13 points and 5 assists for Southern Miss, while Curt Lewis and Brewer Carruth chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Despite these solid individual performances, the Golden Eagles ultimately fell short against a determined Georgia State team.
This Quadrant 4 win for Georgia State may not significantly alter their tournament chances, but it undoubtedly strengthens their resume. For Southern Miss, the loss is a setback, particularly given the Quadrant 4 designation. The Golden Eagles must regroup and refocus to get their season back on track.
In the end, Georgia State's upset victory over Southern Miss serves as a reflection of the team's resilience and determination. With Jelani Hamilton leading the charge, the Panthers have shown they can compete with and beat teams expected to outperform them. As the season progresses, this win could prove to be a pivotal moment in Georgia State's campaign, and it will be interesting to see how they build on this momentum. The Panthers' tournament chances remain a long shot, but this upset win has at least given them a glimmer of hope.