A Historic Win for Georgia State Women’s Basketball in Athens
Athens, GA – What an exhilarating night it was for the Georgia State women’s basketball team as they pulled off an incredible upset against the University of Georgia, winning 66-60 at the Stegeman Coliseum. This victory marks the first time since 1982 that the Panthers have bested the Bulldogs, and the atmosphere was electric as GSU fans celebrated this long-awaited triumph.
Head Coach’s Pride Shines Through
After the game, head coach Gene Hill couldn’t have been more proud of his players. “Really proud of my players tonight,” he said in the post-game interview. “We’ve been talking about continuing to stack games and work on getting better each game, I think a win like this is proof of that.” With this victory, the Panthers end a 17-game losing streak against Georgia, dating back to their last win in 1982.
Dynamic Duo: Tolivert and Henderson Shine
Leading the charge for Georgia State were Mikyla Tolivert and Crystal Henderson, who combined for a staggering 40 points on the night. Tolivert led the Panthers, securing 23 points, including four critical three-pointers. Henderson also played a crucial role, contributing 17 points, along with five assists and four rebounds. It was truly a team effort, with Mya Williams adding to the momentum with 14 points of her own, netting three three-pointers and snagging two steals.
Going Deep
The Panthers were on fire from beyond the arc, sinking 12 three-pointers, marking the second-highest total for a single game in the program’s history. They found success through aggressive shooting, with Henderson connecting on five three-pointers during the game. The entire team’s chemistry was evident as they moved the ball effectively, with the Panthers taking 33 attempts from deep.
Defensive Strategy Pays Off
The Georgia State defense was relentless, forcing the Bulldogs into 19 turnovers while committing only 11 themselves. The Panthers capitalized on these turnovers, converting them into 21 points. Individually, Henderson led this defensive effort with her relentless style of play, contributing three steals to the count.
Game Breakdown
The game got off to a competitive start, with both teams tied at 3-3 early on. However, the Panthers quickly shifted gears, launching into a remarkable 10-0 run with just under nine minutes left in the first quarter. This impressive push included a crucial bucket from Tolivert that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Though Georgia managed to close the gap as the second quarter unfolded, the Panthers entered halftime with a narrow 34-33 lead. With well-timed three-point shots, they had kept the Bulldogs at bay. In the second half, after a momentary tie at 42-42, Georgia State answered back with a 5-0 run, with a key basket from Mahogany Matthews, again pushing their lead to 47-42.
As the third quarter came to a close, the Panthers maintained their lead at 50-44. The fourth quarter brought high drama as Georgia briefly took a 58-57 lead. But just when it mattered most, Georgia State responded fiercely, launching into a 6-0 run with Henderson finishing off a prominent three-pointer, pushing their lead to 63-58 with only 1:48 remaining on the clock.
Final Moments
In the end, the Panthers held their nerve and continued to expand their advantage, coasting to a 66-60 victory. This game showcased not just talent but heart – a true team effort that left fans buzzing.
Looking Ahead
As the anticipation builds for their next matchup against Western Carolina on November 19, Georgia State fans have plenty of reason to feel hopeful after this monumental win. The Panthers demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a fierce competitive spirit, making this game one for the history books.
With a victorious spark now ignited, could this be the start of something special for Georgia State women’s basketball? Only time will tell!
