**VALDOSTA STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL EDGES WEST FLORIDA 103-100 IN OVERTIME**
VALDOSTA — Valdosta State men’s basketball delivered one of its most dramatic performances of the season Saturday afternoon, edging West Florida 103-100 in overtime at The Complex. The Blazers’ win came behind a dominant showing from Drew Mills and clutch execution down the stretch.
Valdosta State (12-8, 7-7 GSC) erased a two-point halftime deficit and survived a late West Florida rally in regulation before pulling away in the extra period to snap a tightly contested Gulf South Conference battle. The Argos dropped to 17-5 overall and 10-4 in league play.
Mills led all scorers with a career-night, pouring in 36 points on 15-of-24 shooting while adding eight rebounds in 40 minutes of action. His interior scoring proved critical late, including a basket that gave Valdosta State a one-point lead with just over a minute remaining in overtime.
The Blazers trailed 41-39 at the half after West Florida used strong guard play to control the early tempo. However, Valdosta State responded in the second half with improved ball movement and defensive pressure.
Elijah Wyche of West Florida finished with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals, keeping his team in contention. The game swung back and forth throughout the final minutes of regulation. Valdosta State tied the contest at 89 with 7.1 seconds remaining on a brilliant three-pointer from MJ Jones, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, the Blazers leaned on toughness in the paint and timely free-throw shooting. Valdosta State went 5-of-8 from the line in overtime and received key contributions from Blaise Wallace, who posted 17 points and 10 rebounds; Peter McKey, who chipped in 14 points and four rebounds; and Maalik Leitch, who scored 13 points off the bench.
Defensively, Valdosta State limited West Florida to 40 percent shooting in overtime and forced critical turnovers that led to late points. The Blazers also held a 41-33 advantage on the glass and outscored the Argos 54-52 in the paint.
Valdosta State will look to build on this overtime triumph when they return to conference action next week on Thursday, Feb. 5, versus Lee University at The Complex.
https://valdostadailytimes.com/2026/02/01/blazers-outlast-argos-in-overtime-thriller-103-100/
