Georgia State gets past Appalachian State 71-58 (Jan 11, 2018)

BOONE, N.C. (AP) Jeff Thomas had 22 points and eight rebounds as Georgia State took an early lead, then stayed even with Appalachian State in the second half for a 71-58 victory on Thursday night.

Devin Mitchell added 13 points and D'Marcus Simonds and Isaiah Williams chipped in 11 apiece for Georgia State (12-6, 3-2 Sun Belt), which won its third straight.

The Panthers shot 48 percent (28-59) from the floor while limiting Appalachian State to 21-of-59 shooting (36 percent). The Mountaineers made just 9 of 29 field goal attempts in the first half, missing 10 from long range. Georgia State hit 47 percent (16-34).

Williams drilled a 3-pointer in the final second for a 39-26 halftime advantage. The Mountaineers opened the second period on an 8-0 run to close to 39-34. Georgia State answered with a 9-1 spurt to keep the Mountaineers at bay.

Ronshad Shabazz had 15 points and Isaac Johnson added nine with 10 rebounds for Appalachian State (8-10, 3-2).