The Georgia Southern men’s basketball team snapped their losing streak in Atlanta after beating the Georgia State Panthers 79-70 on Friday.

This marked the Eagles’ first win in Panther territory in nine games and their first win since January 11, 1992. With the win, the Eagles split the season series with the Panthers.

Senior forward Isaiah Crawley led the Eagles with 18 points and eight rebounds. Ike Smith added 15 points with six rebounds and Calvin Wishart had 12 points. 

The Eagles led for the entire game with their biggest lead being 15 points with about seven minutes left in the second half.

In the first half, Smith and Crawley controlled the game for GS as they both combined for 21 of the Eagles’ 39 points. 

Going into halftime, the Eagles led after holding GSU to 31% shooting in the half.

In the second period, GS managed to get everyone involved as seven players went on to score points. 

GS ended the 2nd half not hitting a single field goal in the last three minutes but managed to hit 10 free throws to close out the game. They also continued to limit Georgia State from beyond the arc as they only hit five of their 15 attempts from three-point range.

The Eagles scored 26 points from free throws as they shot 38 attempts overall during the game. 

The Panthers were led by guard Justin Roberts who scored 21 points while shooting 5-8 from beyond the arc.

With the win, the Eagles are in sole possession of the third seed, and can finish no higher than third with Texas State winning against UT Arlington on Friday as well.

The Eagles will be back at Hanner Fieldhouse on Tuesday at 7 PM for Senior Day against Arkansas State. This will be the first season meeting between the two teams. Last time the two teams met, Georgia Southern won by double digits at home.

Elijah Jackson, The George-Anne Sports Editor, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu