VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Delta State Statesmen came to The Complex as the league's top team on Sunday afternoon, but the Blazers of Valdosta State sent DSU home with a loss after outscoring the Statesmen 81-69 at The Complex in Valdosta, Ga.

The Statesmen, who entered the contest having allowed just 56 points or less in their last three games, were unable to solve the Blazers, thanks to a balanced effort by Valdosta State that included a 46.2 percent shooting effort from the field. In addition, VSU outrebounded the Statesmen 34-25.

"I thought our guys did a great job in a grind-it-out type of game, understanding that we have to play at a controlled pace and not just come down and jack it up to early on offense," said Head Coach Mike Helfer after the win. "Understanding that gave us a better  chance to score effectively in the half court game and get out in front of them in the second half."

Despite an early jump by the Blazers in the first eight minutes of the opening half, the Statesmen put together an 11-5 run in a four minute span to pull to within a one point deficit at 18-19 with 8:50 to play in the period. Valdosta State remained resilient, however, and never coughed up the lead, thanks to some timely shots that included an earth-shaking put back dunk by Greg Zuppas in the final 17 seconds of the half.

Valdosta State held momentum in the second half, starting with a quick three-pointer by Jimmy Kodet that put VSU up 41-35 on the Blazers' first second half possession. The shot sparked an extensive 27-15 run that lasted just under 10 minutes and helped VSU open up a 65-50 advantage for their largest lead of the night.

The Statesmen managed to whittle away at VSU's lead and pulled to within seven with just under three minutes to play, but the Blazers weathered the storm and used an 86.7 percent shooting effort (13-of-15) from the free throw line in the second half to maintain the lead and secure the team's fifth consecutive win.

Clay Guillozet, who delivered a career high 24 points against Lee on the road last week, put up another strong offensive effort with 18 points scored on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. Guillozet enjoyed a strong supporting cast that included Beau Justice, KJ James, and Winston Morgan, who each posted double-digit figures in the scoring column with 17, 15, and 13 points, respectively.

"Clay was our leading scorer tonight, and for 40 minutes, he guarded their best player," added Helfer. "To see his stamina at both ends was very impressive, and Clay represented our entire team on defense and our ability tonight to execute the scouting report."

Valdosta State improved to 12-2 overall and 5-1 in Gulf South Conference play for a tie with West Florida at the top of the league standings. Meanwhile, Delta State dropped to 7-8 overall and fell to 5-2 against league opponents.

Valdosta State returns to The Complex on Tuesday night for another big GSC matchup, as the Mississippi College Choctaws come to town for an 8:00 p.m. showdown. The contest will tip shortly after the conclusion of the women's contest, which will tip at 6:00 p.m.