VALDOSTA, Ga. – North Alabama claimed 20 offensive rebounds and out-scored Valdosta State 29 to 9 in second chance points as the Lions defeated the Blazers 95-79 in Gulf South Conference men's basketball action at The Complex Saturday evening.
 
North Alabama (8-11, 5-8) owned a 48 to 33 advantage in rebounding in the contest and held a 50 to 20 edge in points in the paint.
 
Much of the UNA damage in the game came during the first half, during which it limited Valdosta State (9-10, 4-9) to just 26.9 percent shooting. After the Blazers scored the first two points of the game on a James Spencer fast break lay-up, the Lions responded by scoring 30 of the next 38 points of the game. North Alabama grabbed eight offensive rebounds during the 10 minute span and turned them into 14 points while VSU made only two of its 10 field goal attempts while falling behind by 20 points.
 
Valdosta State fought back over the ensuing 90 seconds as they scored seven straight points, but got no closer the remainder of the half as North Alabama built a 47-29 halftime lead. Overall, UNA grabbed 13 offensive rebounds in the first half and out-rebounded VSU 29-17 during the first 20 minutes of play.
 
The Blazers shot better during the second half as they made 16 of their 32 field goal attempts during the frame, but saw the Lions make 14 of their 25 attempts. North Alabama's lead grew to as much as 23 points while Valdosta State used a quick 12-4 run midway through the frame to close to as close as 77-63 with just over five minutes to go, but were unable to get closer.
 
James Spencer recorded his fifth double-double of the season for Valdosta State as he finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds while Blake Justice also finished with 15 points. Jay Watkins added 11 off the bench while Jeff Nibo and Colin Cook each scored 10.
 
The Blazers shot 39.7 percent from the field in the game and blocked seven shots while recorded 14 steals on 16 UNA turnovers.
 
Marcus Landry and Calvin Dade each had double-doubles for the Lions as Landry finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds while Dade tallied 16 points and 14 boards. Nathan Spehr led UNA with 21 points while Brandon Herman tallied 20 and Jere Vucica 12 as all five Lion starters scored in double figures.
 
The Lions made 35-of-69 field goals to shoot 50.7 percent and finished with five blocked shots and seven steals.
 
Valdosta State returns to action Thursday, January 29 when it travels to Rome, Ga. to take on Shorter at 8:00 p.m.