VALDOSTA, Ga.,
– North Alabama shot just 25.9 percent from
the field in the second half as Valdosta
State rallied from a 15-point half-time
deficit to post a 73-65 victory over the
Lions Monday evening in Gulf South
Conference men’s basketball action.
The victory by VSU gives the two teams a
series split for the season, but more
importantly, gives the Blazers sole
possession of second place in the GSC East
Division. VSU boasts a 6-2 league record and
is 17-5 overall. UNA falls to third place in
the division at 5-3 in the conference with a
12-11 overall record.
In the first half, North Alabama shot 49
percent from the floor and led by as many as
17 points. A jumper by Joemal Campbell put
the Lions on top 42-25 with just 39 seconds
remaining in the opening stanza.
The Blazers got a basket before
intermission, then slowly chipped away at
the lead over the final 20 minutes of play.
A layup by Herman Burge at the 6:08 mark
capped a 10-0 run and pulled VSU to within a
single point at 57-56.
UNA held the lead for three more minutes
until a pair of free throws by Burge gave
the Blazers their first lead of the second
half at 62-61.
Quinn Beckwith briefly gave the Lions the
lead again with a three-pointer, but the
shot would be the final field goal of the
night for UNA.
VSU hit three shots and five free throws to
close the game on an 11-1 run.
Milton Nance led the Lions with 16 points on
the night. Esmir Guzonjic added 14 points
for UNA while Beckwith tossed in 12 on the
night. Toby Gamble also reached double
figures in scoring with 10 points.
The Lions will return home Saturday
afternoon for a pivotal GSC showdown against
West Alabama. Tip-off time is set for 3 p.m.
at Flowers Hall.
Printable Game
Stats - Valdosta State - Game 23
