PENSACOLA, Fla. – Valdosta State men's basketball came up just short in a high-scoring Gulf South Conference battle Saturday afternoon, falling 107–104 at West Florida inside the UWF Field House.
The Blazers (6-3, 1-2 GSC) erased a nine-point halftime deficit and traded the lead multiple times in a fast-paced, physical second half, but West Florida was able to close the game at the free-throw line in the final seconds.
VSU shot an efficient 54.2 percent from the field and scored 64 points in the paint, keeping pressure on the Argonaut defense throughout the contest. The Blazers also capitalized in transition, finishing with 28 fast-break points, while scoring 22 second-chance points off offensive rebounds.
Devon Rainey led Valdosta State with 21 points, attacking the basket consistently, while
MJ Jones added 16 points and knocked down three three-pointers.
Blaise Wallace recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the Blazers inside.
Drew Mills chipped in 15 points, and Antonio Green provided a spark off the bench with 12 points.
West Florida jumped out early behind hot perimeter shooting, taking a 59–50 lead into halftime. The Blazers responded with a strong second-half effort, outscoring the Argonauts 54–48 after the break and pulling even at 90–90 with just over five minutes remaining.
Valdosta State briefly took the lead late, but West Florida answered with timely buckets and free throws down the stretch. Despite a late push that included fast-break finishes and clutch scoring in the final seconds, the Blazers were unable to force overtime.
Valdosta State will look to bounce back as Gulf South Conference play continues, carrying forward the offensive momentum from Saturday's performance.
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