In the final game of day one at the Colonial Athletic Association conference tournament, the Georgia State Panthers rolled to a 35-point win over Hofstra. The Pride were just 3-15 in the conference this season and presented little challenge for GSU, which now goes one to face George Mason on Saturday night.
Eric Buckner led the Panthers with a double-double performance, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 boards. He was a perfect seven for seven from the field, which sets up a nice clash Saturday night against newly named conference Player of the Year, Ryan Pearson. In their only matchup this season, the Patriots beat GSU by just three points way back in early January in Fairfax. As a team, the Panthers pounded the glass to out-rebound Hofstra by 16. Pearson and Mike Morrison will have to be ready to do battle in the paint, as Paul Hewitt looks for some March magic in his first foray at the tournament in Richmond.
For more on the CAA men's basketball tournament 2012, be sure to check out this SB Nation D.C. StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's college basketball hub will have all the news and nuggets you need in preparation for March and the madness it brings.