VALDOSTA, Ga. – In a rematch that lived up to its billing, Valdosta State men's basketball used its size, depth, and relentless pressure to pull away from Middle Georgia for a 93–83 victory Tuesday night inside The Complex. With the win, the Blazers improve to 3–1 on the season and split the two-game series after the Knights won last week.

VSU controlled the painted area from start to finish, outscoring Middle Georgia 52–32 inside, winning the rebounding battle 46–27, and generating 25 second-chance points thanks to a relentless effort on the offensive glass. The Blazers also showcased their transition attack with a season-high 30 fast break points, helping them maintain momentum through several Middle Georgia runs.

Middle Georgia opened the night hot from beyond the arc—knocking down six early threes and building an 18–7 advantage—but the Blazers responded with bench energy and defensive stops.

A quick spark from Peter McKey, Samarion Bond, and Jose Cuello stabilized VSU midway through the half. Drew Mills provided a lift with a tip-in at 12:51, then Greg Jones connected on a three to cap a swing that brought the Blazers to within single digits.

Down 30–31 with 5:07 remaining, VSU flipped the game behind a 16–9 closing run powered by defensive pressure. Blaise Wallace scored six late points, Devon Rainey added a pair of layups, and Maalik Leitch sprinted out in transition for a momentum-building bucket to close the half ahead 46–40.

The Knights continued to rely on perimeter shooting, pulling within five on multiple occasions, but the Blazer frontcourt wouldn't be denied. Drew Mills scored VSU's first basket of the half and later added a key mid-range jumper and tip-in to extend the Blazer lead.

MJ Jones controlled much of the tempo in transition, finishing with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, including a dagger three with 4:23 to go that pushed VSU ahead 83–74.

As Middle Georgia pressed late, Wallace, Leitch, and Rainey closed the door at the free-throw line, combining to hit six clutch foul shots in the final two minutes. Meanwhile, the Blazers' defense held the Knights to just 4-of-13 from three in the second half after a scorching 10-for-18 start.

Leitch sealed the win with four free throws in the final 14 seconds as VSU secured a convincing 93–83 victory.

Valdosta State now shifts its attention to a tough road test as the Blazers travel to Daytona Beach to face Embry-Riddle on November 29 at 2 p.m. The Eagles have historically defended their home floor well, and VSU will look to carry its interior dominance, depth, and transition tempo into one of its most challenging non-conference matchups of the season. With momentum building after the rematch win, the Blazers aim to close out November with a statement performance away from home.

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