LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Devin Mitchell scored 16 points and D'Marcus Simonds added 10 and Georgia State pulled away from Arkansas-Little Rock in the second half for a 71-54 win on Saturday night.

The Panthers entered the game tied for third place, and a game and a half back out of first place in the Sun Belt Conference standings. The top four teams earn a bye in the first round of the conference tournament.

Georgia State (18-10, 11-5) led 31-30 at intermission, and after the break, Jeremy Hollowell hit a 3 and Malik Benlevi had a 3-point play off a layup. Kemy Osse later made a 3 to reduce the Trojans' deficit to 41-38. Devin Mitchell countered with a 3 and a jumper for a 46-38 Panthers' lead.

UALR (13-15, 4-11) couldn't get closer than seven (48-41) after a pair of free throws from Andre Jones with 10:21 left.

Lis Shoshi led UALR with 12 points and Osse had 11.

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