Georgia State coach Ron Hunter saw several things he liked in his team’s 96-70 victory over McNeese State on Monday in the NIT Season Tip-Off in Tuscaloosa.
His starters improved their transition defense, limiting the Cowboys to 38.2 percent shooting overall. And, behind Rashaad Richardson’s 15 points, the bench had its first significant statistical contribution this season with 28 points and 20 rebounds.
“One of the things I wanted to make sure was make sure we played good contributions from the bench,” Hunter said.
Their production allowed the starters to rest — they played between 21 and 27 minutes each — because the Panthers (2-1) on Tuesday will play the winner of Monday’s late game between Alabama and Stillman. Tuesday’s winner will advance to next week’s next round in New York.
“I told the team what a great Thanksgiving trip that would be,” Hunter said.
It was the second time this season the Panthers surpassed 95 points and third time in as many games that they have scored at least 80. The Panthers hit a season-high 55.6 percent of their field-goal attempts, including 10-of-19 on 3-pointers, and outrebounded the Cowboys 43-29.
“I was really happy with the way we moved the ball and played unselfishly,” Hunter said. “When we do that we will be really good.”
Taking advantage of the guards’ abilities to drive into the lane and kick the ball back out, Richardson hit four 3-pointers in the first half, his first field goals this season, as Georgia State opened up a 25-point lead. The senior missed all eight of his shots, including all seven 3-pointers, in the 97-78 season-opening win against Southern Poly and didn’t attempt a shot from the floor in last week’s 86-80 loss at Vanderbilt.
Hunter said they have been working hard with Richardson to smooth out his shot by concentrating on his footwork. They did similar exercises with R.J. Hunter two weeks ago.
Richardson wasn’t the only hot player.
Devonta White and R.J. Hunter added 18 points each and Ryan Harrow and Manny Atkins contributed 12 each as the Panthers had five players score at least 12 points. Backup center T.J. Shipes added eight points and eight rebounds.
“When (Shipes) doesn’t get into foul trouble, the energy he brings … this is what I thought he would be when we recruited him,” Hunter said.
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