UPDATE: Valdosta State men’s basketball clinched a crucial road victory in the Gulf South Conference, defeating Christian Brothers 75-69 on Saturday afternoon at Canale Arena in Memphis. This win elevates the Blazers to a record of 9-6 overall and 4-5 in GSC play, showcasing their resilience in a fiercely competitive match.
The game was a nail-biter, featuring 10 lead changes and five ties, but Valdosta State maintained control with a combination of balanced scoring and efficient shooting. The Blazers shot an impressive 49.1% from the field and nearly 39% from beyond the arc, while dominating the paint with 38 points and capitalizing on turnovers for an additional 21 points.
Leading the charge for Valdosta State was Peter McKey, who scored 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting, including three critical three-pointers, while also contributing six assists to set the pace. Blaise Wallace proved to be a vital asset, finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds, consistently troubling the Buccaneers with his presence in the paint. Not to be overlooked, Drew Mills added 12 points, and Samarion Bond ignited the Blazers early with a spectacular fast-break dunk.
The Blazers went into halftime with a narrow 34-30 lead, bolstered by strong free-throw performance and forced turnovers. They quickly extended their advantage in the second half with timely transition baskets and perimeter shooting, reaching a double-digit lead midway through the period.
However, Christian Brothers mounted a late comeback, narrowing the gap to just four points in the final two minutes. Valdosta State responded decisively, executing key defensive stops and sealing the victory with a late basket from Wallace.
Off the bench, Devon Rainey made a significant impact, scoring 13 points on 4 of 5 shooting, including three three-pointers. MJ Jones contributed seven points and three assists, further aiding the Blazers’ successful outing.
With 22 bench points and a fast-break scoring advantage of 21-13, Valdosta State effectively controlled the game, particularly in the second half, demonstrating their depth and strategic play.
The Blazers are poised to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Montevallo at home on Thursday, January 15, with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. This upcoming matchup is crucial for their GSC standings as they aim for a playoff push.
Stay tuned for more updates as Valdosta State continues its pursuit of excellence in the Gulf South Conference!
