JACKSON, Tenn. – The Valdosta State women's basketball team (6-8, 3-5 Gulf South Conference) nearly erased a double-digit second-half deficit, but a late rally came up short as the Lady Blazers fell 78–72 at Union (11-5, 6-2 GSC) on Thursday night.

Union led by 16 points in the third quarter and carried a 58–42 advantage into the final 10 minutes before Valdosta State mounted its comeback. The Lady Blazers outscored the Bulldogs 30–20 in the fourth quarter and cut the margin to four points in the final minute, but were unable to complete the rally.

Junior Erin Whalen led the team in scoring and rebounding with 15 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four steals. The reigning D2CIDA/WBCA National Player of the Week has posted double-double's in six of the last seven games. Senior Aryana Hicks added 12 points at an efficient 57.1% from the field, including a 4-of-4 effort at the free throw line. Hicks added five rebounds along with four assists to her GSC leading assist total to orchestrate the offense.

The Lady Blazers continued to find key scoring from the bench. Sophomore Alina Martin added 11 points off the bench. Freshmen Kaci Demps scored nine, shooting 3-of-3 from three-point range. Sophomore Ka'Miah Pryor added eight points on 4-of-7 shooting.

Union was led by Olivia Lee in points, rebounds, and assists with 19. 15, and three of each respectively to pace the Bulldogs. Abigail Bryan added 13 points, while Nora Saffell contributed nine points off the bench.

Valdosta State finished the night shooting 53.6 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range, but Union held a 42–28 rebounding advantage and converted consistently at the free throw line to maintain its lead.

The Lady Blazers will look to bounce back on Sunday as they continue Gulf South Conference play at Christian Brothers (3-11, 0-8 GSC). The Lady Bucs of CBU fell tonight at home, 80-62 to West Florida. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET, with the game streamed live on FloCollege.