NEW ORLEANS – The Texas State women’s basketball team had its most dominant win of the season, beating Georgia State 78-44, Wednesday afternoon at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, La. With the win, the Bobcats will move on to face No. 1 seed Arkansas State on Friday at noon in the semifinals.
The Bobcats outperformed the Panthers in nearly every statistic throughout the game. Texas State shot 47.5 percent (29-of-61) from the field, compared to Georgia State’s mark of just 25.8 percent (16-of-62). The difference in the game statistically came from the three-point line where the Bobcats were 10-of-21 compared to the Panthers just going 3-of-13. Ayriel Anderson and Meghan Braeuer each had four made threes apiece.
Texas State hit back-to-back threes early in the first half to take a 16-8 lead. Braeuer was the spark plug during the early onslaught as she had two of the team’s first three from beyond the arc. The threes were part of a 14-0 run in total that saw the Bobcats run their lead to as much as 16. Anderson, fresh off her 31-point performance at Troy capped the run with a right corner three.
The Bobcats’ offensive clinic continued after Georgia State started hitting some shots of its own. Texas State was able to work the ball inside to Ashley Ezeh who had her way with the 6-4 center Brittany Logan of Georgia State. Ezeh finished the first half with 15 points, and was the game’s top scorer overall with 23 points. She also chipped in seven rebounds, two blocks and four steals.
Perhaps the most impressive offensive display in the first half was Jasmine Baugus going right at Logan towards the end of the first. She went over the outstretched 6-4 center for a layup and gave the Bobcats the 47-22 commanding lead at halftime. The Bobcats’ 25-point lead was their largest of the season at break.
The Bobcats continued to pound the Panthers in the second half, this time ratcheting up the defensive pressure. Georgia State shot just 23.5 percent after halftime (8-of-34). Kendra Long who is the all-time leader in Georgia State school history with 219 made three-pointers was 3-of-9 from the field overall for 11 points.
Anderson continued the team’s scorching three-point shooting, making two of her four after halftime. The Bobcats continued to outscore the Panthers, winning the second half 31-22. It marked the second time this season Georgia State had a new season-low in scoring, after putting up just 47 points two weeks ago against the Bobcats at Strahan Coliseum.
Friday’s semifinal matchup with Arkansas State can be heard on 89.9 FM KTSW in San Marcos as well as www.txstatebobcats.com. It can be viewed on the Sun Belt Network or watchespn.com.