JRNOLA Sports Writer and Photographer, Christoper Taylor covered the weekend action at UNO’s Lakefront Arena as Sun Belt Conference teams battled for the Conference Championship, and a spot in the NCAA Men’s Tournament. With LSU’s early loss in the SEC Tournament, all eyes were on the Sun Belt Tournament to see if a Louisiana team could still guarantee a spot in the NCAA’s March to Madness.
Sam McDaniel watches his three point shot fall over Georgia Southern guard Tookie Brown. McDaniel led his team with three 3PT FGs in his team’s loss.
ULM guard Michael Ertel sizes up Georgia Southern defender before making his move to the basket. He finished with 13 points, tying the highest point total for his team.
ULM guard Sam McDaniel drives to the basket and finishes for two points during his double-double performance in a 63-55 loss to Georgia Southern.
ULM forward Travis Munnings drives by Georgia State defender to score at the rim.
ULM guard Marvin Jean-Pierre drives past two Georgia Southern defenders to score a contested layup.
Georgia Southern guard Ike Smith shows his follow through after pulling up for three point shot.
Georgia Southern guard Mike Hughes takes contested jump shot over ULM defender.
Georgia Southern guard Tookie Brown pushes the ball up the court. Brown made the first-team All Sun Belt for the third consecutive year.
David-Lee Jones dribbles of the pick from fellow Georgia Southern teammate.
Georgia State guard Jeff Thomas holds his follow through after making a jump shot in the second half. Thomas led the team in scoring with 19 points in 26 minutes of playing time on the teams way to a 73-51 blowout victory.
Georgia State forward Jordan Session steps over Troy player after ref calls for jump ball.
Georgia State’s guard Jeff Thomas receives a pass from fellow teammate.
Georgia State guard Devin Mitchell spots up for a three point jumper in the blowout win over Troy.
Coach Ron Hunter gathers his team together during a first half timeout.
D’Marcus Simonds dribbles up the court. Simonds is Georgia State’s second all-time leading scorer and only a sophomore.
Georgia State bench celebrates after fellow teammate knocks down a three point shot.
Louisiana guard Frank Bartley dribbles past UTA defender during a fast break in the second half. Bartley finished with 19 points, leading his team in scoring in Louisiana's 71-68 loss to UT Arlington in the semifinals of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Saturday, Mar. 20th, 2018
Louisiana forward and New Orleans native Bryce Washington. finishes at basket for an contested layup.
Louisiana forward Justin Miller finishes at the rim for a tough two points. Miller finished with 14 points in 26 minutes off the bench making him the second leading scorer on his team.
UTA guard Kaelon Wilson steps in front of Louisiana guard Malik Marquetti to get a crucial charge call in the final minutes of regulation.
UTA forward Julian Harris powers up for a contested two pointer over two Louisiana defenders.
UTA guard Erick Neal steps through two Louisiana defenders on his way to the basket for two points. Neal finished with 18 points and received the player of the game award.
UTA forward Kevin Hervey shoots a contested mid-range jumper over Louisiana defender. Hervey had 14 points and 11 rebounds while playing 35 minutes off the bench.
UTA forward Kevin Hervey finishes at the basket during fast break in the first half.
UTA guard Kaelon Wilson finishes at the rim for an easy two points. Wilson finished with 17 points in 36 minutes of playing time.
Sam McDaniel watches his three point shot fall over Georgia Southern guard Tookie Brown. McDaniel led his team with three 3PT FGs in his team’s loss.
Georgia Southern guard Tookie Brown sizes up Georgia State defender before driving to the basket for a layup. Brown finished with 25 points, leading his team in scoring.
Georgia Southern guard Tookie Brown gathers his dribble for an easy layup after a steal in the first half.
Georgia Southern center Frank O’Connell throws down a two-handed slam on Georgia State center in the first half.
Georgia State guard Devin Mitchell pulls up for an off-balance fadeaway three point shot in the final seconds of regulation giving Georgia State a six point lead over Georgia Southern.
Georgia State guard Isaiah Williams splits the defense on his way to the basket in the second half. Williams was also awarded player of the game in Georgia State’s 73-67 victory over Georgia Southern.
Georgia State forward Jeff Thomas finshes at the rim for an easy two points. Thomas finished with 13 points in 33 minutes.
Georgia State guard Isaiah Williams drives to the basket for two points. Williams finished with 21 points in 24 minutes of the bench, making him Georgia State’s leading scorer.
Georgia State's D'Marcus Simonds
Georgia State wins the 2018 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament and an automatic bid to March Madness
Georgia State wins the 2018 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament and an automatic bid to March Madness
Georgia State wins the 2018 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament and an automatic bid to March Madness
Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Karl Benson presents Georgia State's D'Marcus Simonds with the 2018 MVP Award
Georgia State hoists the 2018 Sun Belt Conference Championship trophy at UNO Lakefront Arena
MVP D'Marcus Simonds climbs the ladder in celebration of winning Georgia State's automatic bid to the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.