FLORENCE, Ala. - The Valdosta State Lady Blazers fell to the No. 22 North Alabama Lions, 58-66, in Saturday's Gulf South Conference matchup in Florence, Ala.

A rare cold shooting night from beyond the arc, along with a host of costly turnovers, proved to be VSU's downfall, as the Lions thwarted a third quarter comeback effort by VSU. The Lions survived despite being outscored 20-11 in the third frame.

Valdosta State got off to a slow start offensively, but Madi Mitchell, who tallied a team-high seven points in the first half, helped keep VSU within striking distance at the break.

Heading out after the half with a 29-18 deficit, Coach Carley Kuhns and the Blazers made a solid adjustment and used the period to pull to within two, but the game slipped away in the 4th when UNA put up 26 points to close out the game.  

For Valdosta State offensively, seniors Kenya Samone' Dixon and Mitchell both put up double-doubles. Mitchell's 18 points and 11 rebounds gave the senior her fifth of the season thus far, and Samone' Dixon drained 11 points in the matchup alongside 10 rebounds of her own. Crystal Townsend also delivered quality minutes with seven points in 8 minutes of play.

With the loss, VSU fell to 14-7, 8-5 in the GSC. The Lions improve to 18-2, 11-2 in conference play. 

Up next, the Lady Blazers return back to The Complex to defend their perfect 10-0 record at home this season. Tip-off against the Shorter Hawks is slated for 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 1st. Follow along live at www.vstateblazers.com.