Georgia Schools Complete Alabama Sweep

Both Georgia State and Georgia Southern were winners in Sun Belt Conference play Friday night, completing the sweep of their Alabama counterparts.  The wins enabled the two schools to keep pace with league leading Texas State.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN 76, TROY 51--The Eagles defense held Troy to 28 percent shooting and 22 turnovers in getting the lopsided win.  Georgia Southern (16-10, 8-5 Sun Belt) went on a 27-4 run after halftime to put the game away.  Isaiah Crowley and Tookie Brown each scored 16 points for Georgia Southern, with Brown collecting a career high five steals.  Troy (11-14, 4-9), playing its fourth straight game without leading scorer Jordan Varnado, was led by K. J. Simon with 12 points.

GEORGIA STATE 90, SOUTH ALABAMA 81--Malik Benlevi and Jeff Thomas combined for 47 points as the Panthers (18-8, 9-4 Sun Belt) roared back from a 18 point first half deficit to get the win. Georgia State went on a 16-1 run to start the second half and get back in the game, then closed the contest on a 15-4 run, holding South Alabama (12-14, 5-8) to just one field goal in the last five minutes.  Herb McGee had 26 points and eight assists for the Jaguars.  The two teams combined for 27 made three pointers in 61 attempts.