VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State men's basketball dropped a Gulf South Conference contest to Mississippi College, 103–89, Friday night at The Complex, despite a spirited second-half effort from the Blazers.
Mississippi College built momentum early behind efficient shooting, taking a 55–42 lead into halftime. The Choctaws shot nearly 58 percent from the field in the opening half and controlled the paint, putting VSU in an early hole.
Valdosta State responded coming out of the break, opening the second half with increased defensive pressure and attacking the basket in transition. The Blazers cut into the deficit behind strong guard play and contributions from the bench, but Mississippi College consistently answered with timely buckets to maintain control.
VSU was led offensively by
Samarion Bond, who came off the bench to score 18 points while adding seven rebounds.
Maalik Leitch finished with 15 points, and
Drew Mills added 14 points and seven rebounds. Antonio Green provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, knocking down three triples and converting at the free-throw line.
Mississippi College placed five players in double figures and finished the night shooting 56.6 percent from the field, including 11 three-pointers. The Choctaws also won the rebounding battle, 49–35, which helped limit VSU's ability to fully swing momentum.
Despite the loss, Valdosta State showed resilience late, continuing to push the tempo and compete on both ends until the final horn. The Blazers matched scoring with Mississippi College in the second half, scoring 47 points while the Choctaws scored 57, but the Blazers were unable to overcome the first-half deficit.
Valdosta State will look to regroup and build off its second-half energy as Gulf South Conference play continues.
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