Postgame radio interview with Mark Byington

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Nijal Pearson recorded 20 points and five rebounds, and Texas State held Georgia Southern to 29 percent from the floor in the first half on its way to a 70-55 Sun Belt men's basketball win over the Eagles Thursday night in Strahan Arena. 

Eagles of the Game
Isaiah Crawley tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals, and Ike Smith netted 11. Quan Jackson and Simeon Carter each scored nine, and Carter grabbed five boards.

Key Moments 
GS (16-12, 10-7) fell behind 13-2 after making one of its first seven shots and committing five turnovers to start the contest. Jackson netted five points, and the Eagles scored seven straight to chip a 21-point deficit down to 14, but Texas State (18-10, 11-6) scored the next 11 and went on to lead 42-20 at the break.

The margin grew to as many as 24 in the second half. The Eagles used a 7-2 run to cut the margin to 17 with 4:49 to play and had two possessions to get closer but came up empty.

Key Stats
Texas State held Georgia Southern to 6 of 21, forced seven turnovers and blocked six shots in the first half. The Eagles shot 2 of 14 from long distance and 15 of 30 from the free-throw line in the contest.

Next Up
The Eagles take on UTA Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. on ESPN+.