VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State Lady Blazers basketball team prevailed in an overtime thriller against Georgia Southwestern on Friday night, 82-69. Junior guard Kayla Bonilla took over as the Lady Blazers outscored the 'Canes 15-2 in overtime.
 
The first quarter went back and forth, as the 'Canes grabbed an early 5-3 lead. VSU would battle back as both teams traded scores. A layup from junior guard Cheray Saunders closed the gap to 13-10 as the first quarter came to an end.
 
The second period brought success for VSU, as the Lady Blazers outscored GSW 16-12. Saunders led the team with seven first-half points, as the Blazers were able to battle back. Saunders gave the Lady Blazers the lead with a layup, but the 'Canes battled back to take 25-23 lead. Delaney Bernard came in clutch with a three ball from the corner to give the Lady Blazers a 26-25 lead heading into the break.
 
Following intermission, the Lady Blazers attempted to stretch the lead. Back-to-back baskets from Bonilla made it a five-point game. Both teams would continue to trade scores, as the quarter continued. After a layup gave the 'Canes a one-point lead, Patu found the basket once again with a layup. The junior gave the Lady Blazers a 46-45 lead, heading into the fourth quarter.
 
The final period was much of the same, as every time VSU seemed to make a run GSW would answer right back. The Lady Blazers stretched the lead to six points, but a pesky 'Canes squad hung around as the game reached its later parts. With the game tied at 63 points apiece, GSW used a 4-0 run to take a 67-63 lead with just nineteen seconds remaining. Germani Abram would cut the deficit to two points with just six seconds remaining. As the 'Canes looked to inbound the ball, Saunders dove in for the steal. The senior transfer attempted a shot but was fouled on the way up resulting in two free-throws. With the game on the line, Saunders sank both free throws, sending the game into overtime.
 
The extra period went much differently than the rest of the game, as a rejuvenated VSU squad outscored the 'Canes 15-2 on its way to a 82-69 victory. Bonilla took over as the Lady Blazers finished off the 'Canes for their fifth win of the season.
 
Two Blazers were in double figures as Bonilla (23 pts) and Saunders (22 pts) led VSU offensively. Both players had double-doubles as Saunders (13 reb) and Bonilla (12 reb) dazzled. Abby Rouse provided a spark in the middle for the Lady Blazers with nine points and seven rebounds.
 
Up Next:
VSU continues to host the Valdosta State Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday when the Lady Blazers face Columbus State at 8 p.m. Links to live stats and streaming of the game are available at vstateblazers.com on the women's basketball schedule page.