Zarigue Nutter shines as Georgia State upsets Tulsa

On November 27, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky, the Georgia State Panthers achieved a thrilling 74-71 victory against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. This important victory was highlighted by the stellar performance of Zarigue Nutter, who scored an impressive 22 points, contributing significantly to his team's success. The Panthers, who were 4-3 prior to this game, faced a challenge as they prepared to visit the highly ranked No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats. With their season marked by previous struggles, including an 0-2 record in away games, this win was crucial for Georgia State as they entered into a competitive atmosphere against a well-established program. The Kentucky Wildcats, boasting a perfect 6-0 record at that time, were formidable opponents. They led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in rebounding, averaging 42.2 rebounds per game, with Amari Williams being a standout player, leading the Wildcats with 10.7 rebounds. The Wildcats also showcased their exceptional shooting ability, averaging 11.8 made three-pointers per game, which was well above the 8.7 three-pointers their opponents typically allow. Georgia State, with a shooting percentage of 44.4%, demonstrated a more effective shooting rate compared to the 36.5% opponents of Kentucky typically achieved. This statistical advantage, along with Nutter's remarkable performance, positioned Georgia State as a competitive force in the matchup. As the Panthers geared up to face Kentucky, they hoped to leverage their recent momentum from the win against Tulsa. The upcoming game was not just an opportunity for redemption but also a chance to prove themselves against a highly ranked team. The significance of the victory over Tulsa was amplified by previous performances and upcoming challenges. As the Georgia State Panthers continued to strive for improvement, the match against Kentucky would test their resilience and growth. This high-stakes game was set to be pivotal as they sought to enhance their record and gain valuable experience against a powerhouse team ranked within the top ten nationally. The Panthers aimed to capitalize on the momentum from their latest victory as they prepared to face what many anticipated to be a challenging competition on the road.