CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Valdosta State men's basketball went toe-to-toe with Lee for 40 minutes but came up just short Saturday afternoon, dropping an 87–83 decision in a tightly contested Gulf South Conference matchup at Walker Arena.

The Blazers (6-5, 1-4 GSC) and Flames were locked in a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip, with the game featuring 14 ties and 11 lead changes. Valdosta State closed the first half strong, erasing a late Lee advantage and heading into the locker room tied 35–35.

VSU shot efficiently throughout the contest, finishing 45.3 percent from the field and converting 18-of-24 free throws. The Blazers also controlled the paint offensively, scoring 42 points inside, while adding 17 fast-break points and 38 points off the bench.

Drew Mills led Valdosta State with 17 points, while Devon Rainey added 16 points, including three three-pointers. Peter McKey and Blaise Wallace each scored 12 points, with Wallace pulling down five rebounds to anchor the interior. Ethan Pires chipped in six points, knocking down a pair of triples.

The second half mirrored the first, as neither team could build more than a two-possession cushion. Valdosta State held multiple late leads, including a 60–57 advantage midway through the half, but Lee responded with timely perimeter shooting and execution at the free-throw line.

Down the stretch, the Blazers had several opportunities to tie the game, including a three-pointer with under 20 seconds remaining, but Lee converted four free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.

Lee shot 55.2 percent from the field and was led by Jamarcus Wilkins with 18 points, while Dayveun Anderson added 17.

Despite the setback, Valdosta State showed resilience and competitiveness on the road as conference play continues.

The Blazers will look to bounce back as Gulf South Conference action rolls on, aiming to turn close finishes into victories as the season progresses.

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