The Georgia State Panthers are gearing up for an exciting end to 2025! But will they be able to maintain their momentum? The team has a unique challenge ahead, hosting an out-of-conference game before diving back into their conference schedule.
Atlanta's Panthers are ready to roar: After a challenging start to their season, the Panthers are looking to make a statement. They kick things off by welcoming Columbia College to their home court on December 28, aiming to defend their territory. But here's where it gets interesting: they'll then hit the road again, traveling to Marshall for a conference clash on New Year's Eve.
A Season in Review: Georgia State currently holds a 3-10 overall record, with a 1-1 standing in the Sun Belt Conference. They're fresh off a confidence-boosting 70-63 win against App State on December 20, which marked a significant road victory. However, the Panthers have only played on their home court three times this season, with a month-long road trip and a single home game in December. The team is eager to make the most of this rare home advantage.
A Look at the Numbers: The Panthers' offense has been shooting an average of 65.8 points per game, with a 35.9% field goal success rate and a 29.0% three-point accuracy. Ayouba Berthe is the team's three-point specialist, making 22 threes so far, while Jelani Hamilton leads the team in scoring with an impressive 17.3 points per game and a 93.3% free-throw accuracy. And let's not forget the bench's contribution, accounting for 31.6% of the team's overall offensive productivity.
The Big Men Down Low: In the paint, Joah Chapelle and Anthony Enoh dominate the boards, combining for 12.8 rebounds per game. Chapelle, a sophomore, is a force to be reckoned with, ranking sixth in the conference for rebounds. He's recorded four double-digit rebound games and even scored a double-double against New Mexico State.
Looking Ahead: As the Panthers prepare for their upcoming games, they'll aim to improve their overall field-goal defense. The team will ring in 2026 with a road game against Coastal Carolina on January 3, a fresh start to the new year.
What do you think about the Panthers' strategy of hosting a non-conference game before a crucial conference match? Is this a smart move, or should they have focused solely on their conference rivals? The debate is open!
