VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State men's basketball team had a winning start to the 2026-27 season Monday night as the Blazers pulled away in the second half to defeat Thomas University 82-63 at The Complex.
The Blazers took a six point lead into the half and then took over on both sides of the ball in the second half. VSU outscored the Night Hawks 43-30 in the second half, shooting 50% from the floor to pick up the 19 point season opener win.
Blaise Wallace led the attack with 19 points and 12 rebounds, achieving a double-double, in the opener. He went 5-for-11 from the field and 9-for-14 from the line. DJ Hamlett came off the bench to provide a spark with 16 points, 5-for-9 shooting and two three-pointers. Keshawn Evans had 11 points and six rebounds while Jack Voth finished with 10 points and three assists.
The first half saw a number of lead changes as both sides went about establishing their offensive pace. The Night Hawks got off to a good start but Valdosta State answered with some good contributions from their lineup to take control. The Blazers built a six point lead before the half and were sitting at 39-33 at the break.
VSU carried that momentum into the second half and quickly established a comfortable lead through efficient shooting and defensive pressure. Thomas started the half off with a basket and the Blazers responded with a scoring run that saw Evans and Wallace both get to the free throw line and make them before Jovan Palavra hit a three to push the lead out to 48-35.
The Blazers kept capitalizing on defensive stops, creating transition opportunities and attacking the basket. Palavra and Jayson Demcher both went in with fast-break dunks to extend the lead to 17 while Wallace continued to be a presence in the paint. VSU eventually got the lead up to 19 and held it down the stretch.
Defensively Valdosta State made it very difficult for the Night Hawks to get going offensively, forcing 20 turnovers and picking up 14 steals. The Blazers turned those 20 into 27 points and had the edge in the paint and on the glass. VSU outscored Thomas 46-38 in the paint and out rebounded them 47-41.
With the season opener now in the bag, the Blazers are looking ahead to the GSC/SIAC/SSC Regional Challenge in Melbourne, FL. Valdosta State plays Florida Tech on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. ET, then takes on Edward Waters on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.
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