On Jan 10. the Georgia State University Panthers defeated the Louisiana- Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns 90-52 at GSU Sports Arena in Downtown Atlanta. Besides dominating the floor in a rivalry game blowout, the most impressive aspect of the game was the way every player was able to get involved. The Panthers posted 24 assists on the 32 made shots from the field. This ties a program record for the ninth-most assists in a single game. Head Coach Rob Lanier boasted about how he was proud of the team for not “stat chasing” when they had a comfortable lead, but still playing team ball.
“I think anytime when you get guys in that situation who are looking for one another and sharing the basketball is really good team energy.” He said.
Not only did the Panthers share the ball well, but they also knocked down their shots when they had the opportunity. The team shot season highs of 54.2% from the field and a show stopping 52.4% from the 3-point range. The crowd played their role as well and erupted in cheers every time a play was made from down low.
Georgia State didn’t let up on the defensive side of things either. The Panthers currently a leader in the nation in steals this season and let the Ragin’ Cajuns know it. They swiped 15 from them and were able to convert several into crowd favorite dunks. The fast breaks fueled the offense on the court and the crowd energy as well.
“It’s important for the confidence of your team when you can get out on the open court and get some easy baskets. It helps the guys that are scoring and the overall team energy…we try to play hard and try to be aggressive at getting deflections and using our hands. It was good tonight.” Lanier said.
Coach Lanier was impressed with the way his guys continued to play an all around complete game, even in the midst of a blow out. They spaced the floor and got everyone involved, locked in defensively, and shot effectively from every angle.
“I was probably more animated with those guys when we have a big lead because I want them to have that maturity that we aren’t going to let the score dictate our approach. Good or bad. That we aren’t going to allow the way the game is going to say we’re not going to do the things that are important to us now because the game is in hand.” Lanier said.
The Panthers secured this clutch conference win at home after losing the previous two games on the road to Coastal Carolina and Arkansas State. The Panthers now advance to 11-6 overall with a 4-2 record within the Sun Belt Conference. Next up they will face the University of Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday at GSU Sports Arena in Downtown Atlanta. Tip off is set for 2pm and will be aired on ESPN+.