VALDOSTA, Ga. – The postseason stage is set as the fifth-seeded Valdosta State men's basketball team travels to Huntsville to face fourth-seeded UAH in the Gulf South Conference Quarterfinals on Monday, March 2, at SportsMED Arena.

The matchup renews one of the GSC's most competitive rivalries, a series that has delivered drama year after year — including a pair of thrillers this season.

Earlier this season at The Complex, Valdosta State stunned then No. 8-ranked UAH with a 93-91 victory in one of the most memorable finishes in recent program history. Drew Mills delivered what head coach Mike Helfer called "the block of his life," rejecting Rayven Turner's attempt in the lane with 1.6 seconds remaining to preserve the win.

Moments earlier, senior Peter McKey buried a game-tying three-pointer with 46.5 seconds left — the fifth tie of the game and the first since midway through the opening half. After Blaise Wallace gave VSU a one-point lead at the free-throw line with 16.2 seconds remaining, Mills' third rejection of the contest sealed the outcome as UAH's final heave sailed wide at the buzzer.

The contest featured 11 lead changes and five ties, with both teams combining for 25 made three-pointers. Six Blazers reached double figures, led by Mills' 18 points and seven rebounds, while McKey added 16 off the bench. Wallace, MJ Jones and others provided critical contributions as VSU forced 19 turnovers and held a 19-12 advantage in points off turnovers despite being outrebounded 47-36.

It marked a statement win for the red and black, snapping a six-game skid in the series and avenging a 97-95 overtime heartbreak to the Chargers in Valdosta last season.

However, when the teams met again in Huntsville, UAH protected its home floor with a 77-69 victory at SportsMED Arena. The Blazers trailed 35-27 at halftime but battled back in the second half, trimming the deficit to five on multiple occasions behind Lucas Brown's 18-point performance off the bench.

Wallace recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while McKey added 12 points and three triples. Valdosta State forced 14 turnovers and won the bench scoring battle 35-10, but UAH capitalized at the free-throw line, finishing 22-of-31 and sealing the game in the final minutes.

Valdosta State (18-10, 13-9 GSC) enters as the fifth seed, battle-tested after navigating one of the league's toughest schedules. The Blazers have shown the ability to win shootouts — as evidenced by the 93-91 thriller — and grind through physical contests. Mills and Wallace anchor the interior, while McKey and Brown provide perimeter firepower. Defensive pressure and transition scoring have been hallmarks when VSU is at its best.

UAH, the fourth seed, has proven dangerous at home and efficient offensively. In both regular-season matchups, the Chargers demonstrated their ability to score in bunches from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. Limiting second-chance opportunities and controlling tempo will be key for the Blazers in a hostile environment.

With two regular-season games decided by a combined 10 points, Monday's GSC Quarterfinal is expected to deliver another intense chapter in this rivalry. A trip to the semifinals awaits — and if history between these two programs is any indication, it may once again come down to the final possession.