Norfolk State University Athletics

ATLANTA – Bahsil Laster scored a career-high 21 points, but the Norfolk State men's basketball team (2-3) suffered a 78-53 loss to Georgia State (2-3) on Sunday at the GSU Convocation Center. 

Georgia State shot 14-of-26 (53.8%) from 3-point range and 28-of-54 (51.9%) from the field. The Panthers got off to a fast start, scoring the first nine points of the game. Norfolk State cut the deficit to 10 early in the second half, but Georgia State pulled away to secure the victory. 

How it Happened 

• Georgia State's Jaden Jackson scored the first nine points of the game with three 3-point baskets, sparking an 18-4 run at the 13:35 mark. 

• Both teams traded baskets for the next five minutes. After Chris Walker made his first three-point basket with 8:10 remaining in the first half, the Panthers held the Spartans scoreless for just over three minutes and extended their lead to 19. 

• Norfolk State responded with an 8-2 run to close the half, led by two three-point field goals from Bahsil Laster. The Spartans forced three turnovers during that stretch, but Georgia State maintained a 39-26 lead at halftime. 

• The Panthers scored the first four points of the second half before Laster sparked a Spartans 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 10 points, highlighted by an and-one layup.  

• Georgia State held NSU without a field goal from the 15:03 to the 11:46 mark in the second half, extending its lead to 20 with 8:53 remaining. The Panthers then held the Spartans scoreless from the 8:21 mark to the 2:51 mark. 
   

Inside the Numbers 

• Bahsil Laster scored a career-high 21 points on 8-of 14 shooting, marking his second 20-point performance of the season. He also set career-highs in field goals and three-pointers made, shooting 3-of-6b from behind the arc. The junior has scored in double figures in every game this season and has six consecutive double-digit scoring performances dating to last season. 

• J.C. Riley Jr. matched his career high with nine rebounds, including five offensive boards. Norfolk State outrebounded Georgia State, 34-28. 

• Riley Jr. and Chris Walker led the Spartans with two blocks apiece. 
   

Up Next 
Norfolk State will face undefeated Georgia Tech on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at McCamish Pavilion. 

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