JACKSON, Tenn. – Valdosta State men's basketball picked up a hard-fought Gulf South Conference road victory Thursday night, defeating Union in overtime, 103–101, inside Fred DeLay Gymnasium.

The Blazers improved to 8–6 overall and 3–5 in GSC play after surviving a back-and-forth contest that featured 14 ties and seven lead changes. Valdosta State built an early rhythm offensively and carried a 52–42 lead into halftime, using fast-break opportunities and interior scoring to keep pressure on the Bulldogs.

Union responded with a strong second-half push, outscoring the Blazers 49–39 after the break to force overtime. The Bulldogs briefly took control late in regulation, but Valdosta State answered with timely baskets down the stretch to knot the score at 91–91 and extend the game.

In overtime, the Blazers executed in key moments, leaning on physical play inside and clutch free-throw shooting to close out the win. Valdosta State scored 12 points in the extra period and held Union to 10, sealing the victory at the line in the final seconds.

Drew Mills led all scorers with 27 points, attacking the paint consistently while also grabbing 11 rebounds for a double-double. Peter McKey added 21 points, including key finishes in transition late in the game. Blaise Wallace provided a strong interior presence with 16 points, while Lucas Brown Jr. delivered a major spark off the bench, scoring 20 points and knocking down four three-pointers.

Valdosta State finished the night shooting 51.2 percent from the field and dominated inside, scoring 72 points in the paint. The Blazers also capitalized in transition with 34 fast-break points and received 32 points from the bench, highlighting the team's depth.

Union was led by Terrence Ringo Jr. with 25 points and 15 rebounds, while Will Lovings-Watts added 22 points for the Bulldogs.

Valdosta State will look to build on the momentum from Thursday's overtime win as Gulf South Conference play continues this weekend.

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