ATLANTA (Interstat) — In a game defined by missed opportunities at the free throw line and a decisive final-minute sequence, Georgia State snapped a seven-game losing streak by holding off Jacksonville State 77-73 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday at GSU Sports Arena.

The Panthers, who improved to 2-9, secured the victory not with a field goal in the final five minutes, but with a parade to the foul line, capitalizing on a stark disparity in free throw efficiency. Georgia State converted 27 of 32 attempts from the stripe, an 84.4% clip, while Jacksonville State struggled profoundly, making only 10 of 20.

That discrepancy proved the ultimate difference in a contest where the Gamecocks (4-5) otherwise controlled several key statistical categories. Jacksonville State outscored Georgia State 40-20 in the paint, won the rebounding battle 45-34, and committed only four turnovers. Yet, their inability to convert free points ultimately left them short.

The most critical juncture of the game unfolded in the final 13 seconds. Trailing 75-73 after a driving layup by Jacksonville State’s Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, the Gamecocks were forced to foul. Georgia State’s Jelani Hamilton, who led all scorers with 23 points, calmly sank both free throws with two seconds remaining to extend the lead to four and effectively seal the outcome.

Hamilton’s clutch performance at the line capped a strong overall game where he added three rebounds and three assists. He was supported by backcourt mate Micah Tucker, who scored 16 points, and forward Anthony Enoh, who dominated the glass with 12 rebounds and seven points.

Jacksonville State’s effort was led by El Moutaouakkil, who scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Jamar Franklin added 15 points and eight boards, and JaCoby Hill contributed 12 points. The Gamecocks’ interior presence, led by 7-footer Iaroslav Niagu who had 10 points, allowed them to build a 42-30 scoring advantage in the second half after trailing 37-31 at the intermission.

Georgia State built its first-half lead behind efficient early shooting and a 12-2 run midway through the period, fueled by Hamilton and Jakai Newton, who finished with 13 points. The Panthers led by as many as nine before Jacksonville State closed the gap.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair featuring nine lead changes. The Gamecocks took their first lead since the opening minutes at 51-50 on a three-pointer from Franklin with 13:53 to play. The teams traded baskets until the final five minutes, when Georgia State’s offense stagnated but its defense held firm and its free throw shooting took over.

With the score tied at 66, Georgia State embarked on an 11-2 run built entirely on free throws, making 9 of 10 during the stretch, to take a 77-68 lead with 13 seconds left. El Moutaouakkil’s layup and Franklin’s last-second three provided the final margin but came after the outcome was decided.

The Gamecocks’ offensive struggles extended beyond the foul line, as they shot just 42.4% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range. Their four total assists highlighted a disjointed offensive flow. Georgia State, while shooting a better percentage from the floor at 40.4%, won primarily by creating 12 more free throw attempts and converting them at a high rate.

The win provides a respite for Georgia State, which had not won since its season opener. Jacksonville State sees a two-game win streak end as it heads into conference play.

An announced crowd of 1,698 at the GSU Sports Arena watched the Panthers prevail in a game that defied pregame projections which heavily favored the visiting Gamecocks.