Georgia State coach Jonas Hayes has been comparing his team’s progress to a construction zone, saying it’s a work in progress. On Wednesday the Panthers hinted that the completion of the project may be closer than expected.
Georgia State overcame an early 14-point deficit and beat Louisiana 78-69 at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, La. It broke a six-game losing streak and came against one of the Sun Belt Conference’s traditional powers. It was GSU’s second road win in league play.
“For us to get out and play a second half as good as we played against that team, I thought showed a level of solidarity, commitment to one another, and having a high sense of urgency,” Hayes said. “Playing with a level of desperation was needed.”
Georgia State (10-13, 5-7 Sun Belt) had two players score in double figures – Toneari Lane with 16 and Leslie Nkereuwem with a season-high 15 – but had three players with nine points (Dwon Odom, Edward Nnamoko and Julian Mackey) and Lucas Taylor with eight.
Nnamoko’s effort was especially worthy since the brawny 6-foot-8 sophomore injured his ankle on Saturday and was a game-time decision on playing. His nine points were his most against a Sun Belt team and he had six rebounds and two blocked shots.