JACKSON, Tenn. - The Valdosta State men's basketball team used strong contributions off the bench in the first half to run away with an 83-69 Gulf South Conference road win over Union on Monday night in Jackson, Tenn.

Of the 47 points scored by the Blazers in the opening half, 33 came from VSU non-starters. Tyler Johnson led the charge with 13 first half points and a 4-of-7 shooting effort from the three point line. LaBrian Shiflet also provided a spark with three triples of his own for nine points, and Justin McBride teamed up with Greg Zuppas to pour in seven and four points, respectively.

Valdosta State used the momentum of a 7-0 run during the final two minutes of the first half to open up a 47-40 lead, and Beau Justice connected for five points in the opening minute of the second half to retain the edge for the Blazers. Justice went on to give VSU 14 second half points en route to a game-high total of 16, as the Blazers ran away with the game for their eighth straight victory.

KJ James was a force to be reckoned with in nearly every facet of the game, thanks to an aggressive, hustle-driven effort on both ends of the floor. James finished the night with 15 points on a 6-of-10 performance from the field, and the senior closed out the night with 10 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double. James also added three blocks and two timely steals in the game.

As a team, Valdosta State shot 41.8 percent from the field and remained solid at the free throw line with an 80 percent (16-of-20) effort from the stripe. The Blazers also made every Union turnover count with 23 points on 12 Bulldog miscues. VSU outrebounded Union 38-32 and used 13 offensive rebounds for 21 putback points in the contest.

Valdosta State will aim to stay hot on Thursday night, when the team returns to The Complex for an 8:00 p.m. matchup against the visiting Auburn Montgomery Warhawks. Live coverage of the game will be provided at www.vstateblazers.com.