Georgia State will make up its second postponed home game from a two-week stretch spanning from the end of January to mid-February. The Panthers will host the Texas State Bobcats at the GSU Sports Arena Monday night after the original game was postponed due to snow on February 13. Oddsmakers have touted the Panthers as 13.5-point favorites on their home floor.
Free Pick
Georgia State lost its spot in the exclusive club of undefeated teams in conference play this college basketball season over the weekend in a surprising loss to a Troy team that was 3-8 in Sun Belt play coming in. The lapse hands the Panthers their first Sun Belt loss but doesn’t loosen much of their grip on the Sun Belt regular season standings. Second-place Western Kentucky still has four losses and GSU will look to bounce back in a big spot on a short turnaround at home to an inferior opponent.
GSU’s offense wasn’t horrible on Saturday in Alabama but the defense was highly questionable in surrendering 85 points to a pretty generic and simple Troy team. The Panthers were vulnerable from the outside, where the Trojans attempted 27 deep balls and connected on 12 for over 44 percent. Ron Hunter’s personnel is certainly suited for and more offensive-minded attack but it doesn’t take away the hard-nosed mentality of Hunter. You can bet that he will get into his team ahead of an important bounce-back spot and preach defense and rotations to close out on shooters. Look for the Panthers to come out and play defense with a purpose in a game they really need to have for their own psyche after losing for the first time after reeling off 14 straight. 
Texas State hasn’t won a whole bunch of games but the ‘Cats have stayed competitive in many. Texas State has played its last seven games to single-digits despite just coming out of the stretch with one win. Senior forward Joel Wright is the team’s only double-digit scorer, which is good news for Georgia State as it looks to lock down on the defensive end.
The spot coming after a loss on a short week playing at home seems to have a positive outlook for GSU. The Panthers are a well-schooled, disciplined side and should prove to have too much offensive firepower for Texas State. Look for a quick start for a motivated Georgia State team.
Free Pick: Georgia State -7 First Half
georgia state panthers • texas state bobcats