WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Valdosta State men's basketball junior guard Jaolbey Owens and redshirt junior Cam Hamilton each recorded 15 points as the Blazers shot 40.7% outside the arc in a 72-71 win over Palm Beach Atlanti Saturday afternoon.
The Blazers improved to 3-2 on the young season, while Palm Beach Atlantic fell to 3-3 as VSU snapped a three-game winning streak by the Sailfish.
VSU's defense forced the Sailfish into 17 turnovers in the first half alone, resulting in 19 points off turnovers for the Blazers. VSU ended the evening, forcing PBA into 27 turnovers. Hamilton led the effort with five steals, while sophomore guard DJ Mitchell picked up three steals.
The Blazers built a solid 36-27 lead at the half, but PBA didn't go down without a fight. A putback bucket by PBA's Jakob Hester with 15 minutes left sparked the Sailfish along with an 11-0 run highlighted by seven points from Jules Jasmin made it 50-47 with just under 13 minutes left. The Blazers held a 72-65 lead with two minutes left, but the Sailfish closed the margin and converted a couple of three throws with six seconds left bringing the final score to 72-71 in favor of the Blazers.
For PBA, Jasmin led the team with 27 points, eight rebounds, and four steals, while Alexander Gorton recorded 13 points, nine rebounds and three steals.
Owens finished the game shooting 40% from the field and picked up one rebound, one assist and one block. Hamilton finished the game going five of 15 from the field and five of 10. Outside the arc and picking up two rebounds and two assists.
This week's Gulf South Conference Player of the Week, Michael Cole, co-led the team along with sophomore Cam Selders in rebounds with seven. Cole ended the game with 10 points, and one assist, while Selders finished the game with six points and three assists.
The Blazers have another quick turnaround as the team hosts Coastal Georgia on Monday at 7:30 p.m., inside the Complex for the second home game of the year.
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