Marques Johnson scored 13 points and Georgia State never trailed in the second half in a 49-44 victory over James Madison in the Colonial Athletic Association opener for both teams on Saturday.
Ousman Krubally added 10 points and 11 rebounds as the Panthers (5-4) held James Madison (4-3) without a field goal for the final 3:31 and hit five free throws in the final minute.
The score was tied at 40 before Krubally hit a layup and Johnson followed with a jumper to give Georgia State a 44-40 lead with 2:18 left in the game.
Julius Wells, who scored 13 points and had eight rebounds, hit two free throws to cut the lead to 44-42 with 1:26 to play, and Panthers extended the lead to 46-42 before the Dukes cut it to two again with 27 seconds left. Georgia State then sealed the win at the free throw line.
Dazzmond Thornton led James Madison with 16 points.
