Georgia Southern edges Arkansas State in Sun Belt tournament

Arkansas State's season ends with 80-77 loss to Georgia Southern in conference tournament

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Arkansas State's season came to an end Thursday night as the Red Wolves fell to Georgia Southern 80-77 in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament at the Pensacola Bay Center. A-State finishes the season 20-12 overall and 11-7 in Sun Belt play, while Georgia Southern improves to 18-15.

Why it matters

The Sun Belt Conference Tournament is a high-stakes event that determines which team will represent the conference in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. This close loss ends Arkansas State's season, while Georgia Southern advances to the next round of the tournament.

The details

Matt Hayman led the Red Wolves with 21 points, while Jaxon Ellingsworth added 18 and Chandler Jackson scored 12 points with 10 assists to record his first career double-double. Jalen Hampton pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds. Arkansas State shot 41.2 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range, and outscored Georgia Southern 36-20 in the paint. After trailing 42-34 at halftime, Arkansas State opened the second half with an 11-0 run to take a 43-42 lead, but Georgia Southern answered with a late run to regain the advantage and hold on for the victory.

The game was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Matt Hayman

A player for Arkansas State who led the team with 21 points.

Jaxon Ellingsworth

A player for Arkansas State who scored 18 points.

Chandler Jackson

A player for Arkansas State who scored 12 points and recorded a double-double with 10 assists.

Jalen Hampton

A player for Arkansas State who pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds.