Excitement Builds in Atlanta as Panthers Prepare for Home Showdown
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as the Georgia State Panthers gear up to host the North Carolina Central Eagles this Friday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m. It promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially since this matchup marks the first time these two teams have ever faced off in program history.
After a Strong Start
The Panthers recently delivered an impressive 106-66 victory against Toccoa Falls. This win has certainly set a positive tone for the season, and the energy surrounding the team is palpable. The standout performances from the last game showcased the depth and skill that the players bring to the court.
Leading the charge is Nick McMullen, who has been nothing short of spectacular. Not only does he lead the Sun Belt Conference in several rebounding categories, but he also ranks 14th nationally in rebounds per game (RPG) with an average of 10.3. In fact, the Panthers as a whole are making waves nationally by averaging 44.75 rebounds per game, putting them 18th in the nation and 1st in the Sun Belt.
Proud Stats to Brag About
Besides being top-notch rebounders, the Panthers have proven to be well-rounded. They have secured a respectable ranking in several other categories across the Sun Belt:
- 3rd in assist/turnover ratio (1.25)
- 5th in scoring offense (77.5 points per game)
- 8th in assists per game (13.8)
- 8th in fast-break points (12.50)
- 6th in three-point percentage (27.4)
- 8th in free throw percentage (67.1)
Also, fans are thrilled to see that in the opening match against Ball State, three players, including McMullen, showcased their skills with double-doubles – a feat that ranks the Panthers second in the Sun Belt for double-doubles this season!
Key Returners Making Waves
While the Panthers have welcomed new talent, they still value their seasoned players. Notably, Toneari Lane has established himself as the leading scorer for the team, averaging 16.5 points per game to go along with his 2.3 rebounds and 6 assists. It’s no surprise that Lane has kept the scoring momentum going his way, leading the Panthers in scoring in almost every matchup this season, except for two.
In their recent win against Toccoa Falls, Lane tallied a season-high 20 points, and with consistent performances, he has secured himself a top-10 rank in the conference for several statistics including points per game and three-pointers made.
Fresh Faces Make a Big Impact
The coaching staff has smartly supplemented the existing roster with new transfers and freshmen, breathing life into the team’s dynamics. The infusion of talent is evident with players like Zarique Nutter, who is not only the Panthers’ second-leading scorer with 14.7 points per game but also provides a robust rebounding effort with an average of 7.0 RPG.
Nutter is particularly impressive with his ability to rack up assists, placing him among the top 10 in the conference with 3.3 assists per game.
What Lies Ahead
Following their contest against NCCU, the Panthers will hit the road to Jacksonville, Florida for the Jacksonville Classic, where they are set to face off against Austin Peay and Tulsa. With so much momentum building, fans are eager to see how the Panthers navigate these upcoming challenges.
Conclusion
As the excitement in Atlanta grows, make sure to catch the Panthers in action! It’s shaping up to be a thrilling season for Georgia State Basketball, and there’s hope that this talented roster can carry their success forward. Get ready for a night of fervor as the Panthers aim to keep their winning ways alive!
