Game 497-498: Thursday split

498 - UT Arlington at Georgia State
January 25 at GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, GA

Nice win for the Panthers, who got everything they could've asked for from D'Marcus Simonds in an 81-75 win.

The sophomore poured in 29 points on 13-of-27 shooting, and added 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Another great atmosphere at the arena as well tonight and it got louder and louder as the game went on. GSU erased an eight-point first-half deficit and a seven-point deficit in the second half to win its sixth straight. Also a great night for Jordan Session, who played excellent defense and contributed 12 points and 13 rebounds (six offensive), his second double-double of the season and first since a November 26 win over Tulane.

Back to Simonds, who came into the night tied for 24th nationally in scoring, then put together his 11th 20-point game of the year. Current Houston Rocket R.J. Hunter holds the school's scoring record with 1,819 points (which he accomplished in just three seasons), but if this pace continues for Simonds - he's at 836 career points on January 25 of his sophomore season - he's sure to pass Hunter at some point.

Kevin Hervey, who came into the night just .3 points back of Simonds atop the Sun Belt scoring leader board, scored 22 and he and Kaelon Wilson (21 points) combined for a 17-of-33 shooting night, but their teammates were just 10-of-35.

497 - UT Arlington women at Georgia State
January 25 at GSU Sports Arena

A really tough loss for the Georgia State women in the opener as UT Arlington scored nine of the last 12 points of overtime to pick up a 81-76 victory. Before that, GSU had a shot to win the game in regulation, but trailing 70-69 with 1.8 seconds left, Juliet James missed the back end of a 1-and-1.

It would've been an even worse loss for the visiting Mavericks, who led by 16 points in the opening half. Madison Newby was terrific with 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting and 12 assists and led GSU back into it, but she attempted just two shots and scored two points in the fourth quarter and overtime.

It looked like UT Arlington's Rebecca VanDijk was going to dominate all evening and the Mavericks were going to cruise. VanDijk started the game hitting her first six shots, all of which came within two feet of the basket, and had 23 points by halftime. But like Arlington's defense on Newby, Georgia State focused on doubling and making life uncomfortable for Van Dijk and the senior scored just four points after halftime.

Janessa Murphy stepped up for GSU - 17 of her 20 points after halftime - and Laurynn McGowen did the same for the visitors - 13 of her 20 after the break.