Livingston, Ala. - Valdosta State Blazers saw a strong first half slip away in the second period as West Alabama Tigers pulled away late for a 75–66 Gulf South Conference win Saturday afternoon at Pruitt Hall.
Valdosta State (11–8, 6–7 GSC) led 34–32 at the break after an efficient opening half, but West Alabama (17–2, 12–1 GSC) outscored the Blazers 43–32 over the final 20 minutes to secure the home victory. The Tigers used their advantage on the glass and consistent trips to the free-throw line to turn a tight contest into a nine-point win.
The Blazers were paced offensively by
Peter McKey, who finished with a team-high 16 points while knocking down all four of his free throws.
Blaise Wallace added 13 points and pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds, providing a steady presence inside.
Drew Mills contributed 11 points, while
Samarion Bond chipped in 10 as Valdosta State placed five players in double figures.
Valdosta State built early momentum behind strong perimeter shooting and transition offense, grabbing multiple early leads and forcing West Alabama into turnovers. Lucas Brown and McKey hit timely three-pointers, helping the Blazers open up their largest advantage of the game in the first half. Despite West Alabama answering late, Valdosta State carried a two-point lead into halftime.
The second half featured several momentum swings, including a stretch where the score was tied at 44–44, but West Alabama slowly seized control behind Christian Thompson's interior presence. Thompson finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Rasean Frederick added 16 points and constant pressure in the open floor. West Alabama outrebounded Valdosta State 50–40 and capitalized on second-chance opportunities down the stretch.
Valdosta State struggled from long range in the second half, shooting just 2-of-12 from three-point territory, while West Alabama consistently got to the foul line, converting 22 free throws in the game. Despite multiple late pushes by the Blazers, the Tigers closed the game on a decisive run in the final minutes.
The Blazers will look to regroup as they continue Gulf South Conference play, aiming to turn strong stretches into a full 40-minute performance moving forward.
