Arkansas State’s season came to an end Thursday night as the Red Wolves fell to Georgia Southern 80-77 in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament at the Pensacola Bay Center.
A-State finishes the season 20-12 overall and 11-7 in Sun Belt play, while Georgia Southern improves to 18-15.
Matt Hayman led the Red Wolves with 21 points, while Jaxon Ellingsworth added 18 and Chandler Jackson scored 12 points with 10 assists to record his first career double-double. Jalen Hampton pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds.
Arkansas State shot 41.2 percent from the field (28-of-68) and 30.3 percent from three-point range (10-of-33). The Red Wolves also held a 44-29 rebounding advantage and outscored Georgia Southern 36-20 in the paint.
After trailing 42-34 at halftime, Arkansas State opened the second half with an 11-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Hayman and a three-point play from Hampton to take a 43-42 lead.
The teams traded runs throughout the final minutes. Jackson tied the game 75-75 with under two minutes remaining, but Georgia Southern answered with five straight points to regain the advantage.
A-State cut the deficit to one possession with a late layup, but the Red Wolves’ final three-point attempt with three seconds left did not fall, sealing the Eagles’ victory.
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