MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Valdosta State men's basketball picked up a road Gulf South Conference victory Saturday afternoon, defeating Christian Brothers 75–69 inside Canale Arena to improve to 9-6 overall and 4-5 in GSC play.
The Blazers led wire-to-wire stretches in a competitive contest that featured 10 lead changes and five ties, using balanced scoring, efficient shooting, and strong interior play to hold off a late push from the Buccaneers. VSU shot 49.1 percent from the field and knocked down nearly 39 percent from three-point range while scoring 38 points in the paint and 21 points off turnovers.
Peter McKey led Valdosta State with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including three three-pointers, while also dishing out six assists to control the tempo.
Blaise Wallace was a force inside, recording 16 points and seven rebounds, consistently finishing around the rim and providing a defensive presence in the paint.
Drew Mills added 12 points, while
Samarion Bond chipped in eight points and sparked the Blazers early with a fast-break dunk to open the game.
VSU carried a 34–30 advantage into halftime after closing the opening period strong at the free-throw line and forcing multiple Christian Brothers turnovers. The Blazers extended the lead early in the second half behind transition baskets and timely perimeter shooting, pushing the margin to double digits midway through the period.
Christian Brothers made several runs down the stretch, cutting the deficit to four points in the final two minutes, but Valdosta State responded with key defensive stops and a late basket by Wallace to seal the win.
Devon Rainey provided a valuable lift off the bench with 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including three triples, while
MJ Jones contributed seven points and three assists.
Valdosta State finished with 22 bench points and outscored Christian Brothers in fast-break points, 21–13, helping the Blazers maintain control throughout the second half.
The Blazers will look to build on the road win as Gulf South Conference play continues next week.
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