SAN MARCOS, Texas – Ike Smith scored a season-high 27 points, and Georgia Southern used a late run to power past Texas State 81-77 Saturday afternoon in Strahan Coliseum.
Smith added five rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot while shooting 11 of 16 from the field and 5 of 8 from long distance, tying a career-best for made triples. Mike Hughes posted 19 points and four assists, and Tookie Brown finished with 14 points and five assists for Georgia Southern (18-11, 9-7).
The Eagles moved into sole possession of third place in the Sun Belt standings, and the top-four teams receive a bye in the upcoming conference tournament March 7-11 in New Orleans at Lakefront Arena.