VALDOSTA, Ga. – The No. 9 Blazers cap off the weekend with a win Saturday afternoon over Shorter by a final score of 86-70.
 
VSU (5-0, 5-0 Gulf South Conference) saw Guardian Bank Player of the Game Jakari Gallon who recorded his first career double-double from a career high 17 points along with a game high 12 boards.
 
The Hawks (1-3, 1-3 GSC) were led again by 19 points from senior Charles Botchway, going 8 for 16 (.500) from the field with one ball from deep. The Hawks finished with four players in the double digits for points while shooting 64% from the free throw line.
 
The Blazers came out hot, gaining a 20-point lead seven minutes into play with help from the starting five and the bench to give Valdosta a 24-4 advantage. The Hawks were able to chip away at the lead as a three-pointer put Shorter down by just 13, but freshman Ricky Brown was able to answer to stop the Hawks run. The Blazers were able to go up by 20 once more with less than two minutes to play after a lay-in and one from Gallon. A trio of points came from the Hawks as time was winding down but saw the Blazers maintain a controlling 17-point lead going into the locker room.
 
The Blazers went 16 for 33 from the field (.488) while the Hawks shot 12 for 32 (.375), as the Blazers hit five baskets from deep (.455). The Blazers controlled the boards during the first 20, coming down with 22 where the Hawks only recorded 15. Along with its struggles on the offensive end, the Hawks turned the ball over ten times and shot .083 from beyond the arch.
 
The Blazers kept on pushing after the half, going up by a game high 27 points after Imoras Agee slammed down a fastbreak dunk. Valdosta was able to keep its lead hovering around in the 20-point category but a late push from the Hawks cut the Blazer lead to as little as 12 with less than three minutes left to play. A pair of baskets from Jacolbey Owens gave the Blazers the extra edge and give the team a 16-point lead, one that was too much for the Hawks as time expired.
 
The Blazers outshot the Hawks as a whole, going 34 for 69 (.493) from the field with nine threes opposed to the Hawks who shot 29 for 67 (.433) from the field with just three balls from deep. 26 of the Blazers points came off the bench along with 44 points scored in the paint. The Hawks took advantage on the Blazers turnovers, scoring 17 points off turnovers which was eight more than Valdosta.
 
VSU is back in action against West Florida Tuesday, Jan. 12 at home. Fans can access links to live stats, audio/video streaming, ticket information and more at vstateblazers.com on the men's basketball schedule page.