-The Valdosta State University Blazers started the game on a 12-0 run and never looked back on the way to a 75-64 win over the Lee University Flames on Thursday evening. The Flames tried to mount a comeback in the second half but never could get closer than seven points as the Flames fell to 9-11 on the season and 5-11 in Gulf South Conference action.
For the second time in three games, the Flames held their opponent to the lowest scoring output of the season. With the win the Blazers clinched a spot in the GSC tournament.
VSU was very active in the win, running up and down the court as they took 38 shots in the first half making 16 field goals.
Lee only managed to get 31 shots off and make eight of them. VSU kept the foot on the gas in the first half and led by as many as 22 before leading 42-21 at the break.
The Flames in the second half came out of the gate much stronger. Noah Boler-Kyle went on a 8-0 run by himself and brought the Flames back to within 13 points. Tim Vaughn added a couple of buckets as Lee continued to chip away. However, it was Maalik Leitch off the bench for the Blazers that kept VSU out in front. He had a game high 23 points going 8-for-12 from the field including three buckets from long range. His timely shots kept it a double-digit lead for the Blazers.
Lee got it to within seven points a t 55-48 with seven minutes left in the game, but that was as close as it got. VSU hit their free throws down the stretch and hung on for the 75-64 victory.
Tylon Chatman had a career high 18 points in the loss. He was 6-for-14 from the floor Boler-Kyle and Willie Walton added 13 points apiece for the Flames.
Lee had two more points in the paint than VSU with 38. They also had eight blocks in the contest, but VSU outrebounded Lee 46-31 and had 20 offensive rebounds.
The Flames will return to action at home on Saturday, February 8 at 4 PM as they will host the University of West Florida