MEMPHIS, TN. - The Valdosta State Lady Blazers basketball team used a career day from senior guard Nari Garner to take down Christian Brothers, 75-69. Garner had a career-high 20 points in VSU's conference-opening win.
 
Both teams traded scores early, as VSU jumped out to a 9-4 lead. The Buccaneers answered back with 6-0 run to take a 10-9 lead. The Lady Blazers battled back, behind two layups from junior Kayla Bonilla to close the first quarter with a 16-10 advantage.
 
The second period opened with CBU scoring quickly as the Bucs evened the game at 20. The Lady Blazer offense came to life, as back-to-back three-pointers from Garner allowed for VSU to take a 33-27 lead into the break.
 
Following intermission, the Buccaneers closed the gap to three points with back-to-back layups. VSU worked the lead back up to nine points on a layup from Cheray Saunders. CBU wouldn't go quietly in front of its home crowd, as game stood at 47-45 at the end of the third quarter.
 
After a quick bucket to tie the game, the Lady Blazers used a 5-0 run to take a 52-47 lead. VSU would hold off multiple late rallies from Christian Brothers the rest of the way to secure the 75-69 victory.
 
Three Blazers were in double figures as Garner (20 pts), Saunders (19 pts) and Bonilla (18 pts) all shined offensively. Saunders had an outstanding game chipping in with six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and five steals.
 
Up Next:
VSU travels to Union on Monday, November 25th to take on a tough Bulldogs team at 6:30 p.m. Links to live stats and streaming of the game are available at vstateblazers.com on the women's basketball schedule page.