Thomas scores 18, helps Georgia Southern down Rice 75-54
HOUSTON -- Jeff Thomas scored 18 points and two others reached double figures as Georgia State led wire-to-wire to defeat Rice 75-54 Tuesday night.
The Panthers, 2-0 for the second time in three seasons, had 11 steals and scored 27 points off 23 Rice turnovers. Jordan Session had four steals and Malik Benlevi three. Benlevi scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds, playing all but two minutes of the game.
Thomas, who scored just two points in the Panthers season opener, made 7 of 15 shots. He last scored 18 points on December 30, 2015. D'Marcus Simonds added 14 points, made seven assists and grabbed seven boards. Georgia State made 11 3-pointers, Thomas and Isaiah Williams with three each.
A.J. LaPray and Ako Adams led Rice (0-2) with 12 and 10 points, respectively. The Owls shot 36 percent from the floor (15-42) and were 8 of 23 on 3-pointers.
Georgia State coach Ron Hunter is one win shy of 400.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Darron George
- Ray Natili
- Kerby Sitton
2024-25 Sun Belt Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Alabama | 3-0 | - | 11-4 |
| Troy | 3-0 | - | 10-4 |
| Arkansas State | 2-1 | 1 | 11-4 |
| James Madison | 2-1 | 1 | 9-6 |
| Old Dominion | 2-1 | 1 | 6-9 |
| Louisiana | 2-1 | 1 | 4-11 |
| Texas State | 1-2 | 2 | 8-7 |
| Coastal Carolina | 1-2 | 2 | 8-7 |
| Georgia Southern | 1-2 | 2 | 8-7 |
| Marshall | 1-2 | 2 | 8-8 |
| App State | 1-2 | 2 | 7-7 |
| Southern Miss | 1-2 | 2 | 6-9 |
| Georgia State | 1-2 | 2 | 5-10 |
| UL Monroe | 0-3 | 3 | 4-12 |
2024-25 American Athletic Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice | 2-0 | - | 11-4 |
| Tulane | 2-0 | - | 8-7 |
| Memphis | 1-0 | 0.5 | 11-3 |
| North Texas | 1-0 | 0.5 | 10-3 |
| Temple | 1-0 | 0.5 | 9-5 |
| South Florida | 1-0 | 0.5 | 8-6 |
| UAB | 1-1 | 1 | 8-7 |
| Wichita State | 0-1 | 1.5 | 10-4 |
| East Carolina | 0-1 | 1.5 | 8-6 |
| Florida Atlantic | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-7 |
| UTSA | 0-1 | 1.5 | 6-7 |
| Charlotte | 0-2 | 2 | 7-8 |
| Tulsa | 0-2 | 2 | 6-9 |
Men's College Basketball News
