The Spectator The independent student newspaper of Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Ga. – The Lady Blazers (10-7) are on a two-game losing streak and move to 3-6 in Gulf South Conference play after falling 58-52 to rival Delta State (11-6) Saturday afternoon in the P.E. Complex.
Forcing a bevy of turnovers (19) was vital for the Lady Statesmen staying close behind all game before stealing the lead late in the game despite offensive endeavors.
The Lady Blazers missed the usual offensive presence of guard Kourtney Williams.
Williams coming into Saturday’s matchup averaged 13.3 points a game however she was held to just two points.
Early on, the home team kept DSU scoreless until Rhandi Ball made one of her two free throws seven minutes into the game.
The DSU offense somewhat picked up in the last minutes of the period keeping the score close.
VSU shot 41.6 % from the field compared to DSU’s 25% in the first half.
Following a Brittney Nelson buzzer beater, the Lady Blazers took a 25-19 lead at halftime.
The Lady Statesmen resumed with a higher tempo in the next period.
DSU didn’t go down more than five points after the first minute of the second half.
VSU found their lead in the most danger all game when the score tied up at 30-30 after DSU guard Chelsey Rhodes converted a lay-up.
Following a much-needed VSU timeout, the Lady Blazers went on a 6-0 run.
The game tied up again when DSU responded with a 6-0 run themselves.
“We should have taken a six-point lead and turned it into a 16-point lead,” Coach Kiley Hill said.
After DSU’s Chadisty Hickman made her second three-pointer to take their first lead, Nelson on VSU’s ensuing possession retook the lead on a lay-up with six minutes left.
This was the last time the Lady Blazers were ahead the rest of the game.
A minute later, another made Rhodes lay-up put them up 41-40.
More than two minutes left on the clock, DSU’s Seneca Walton two pairs of made free throws increased their lead to 46-42.
VSU freshman guard Courtney Sprague’s three-pointer to cut the deficit to one point on the next play made the home crowd erupt and gave the Lady Blazers the most hope for a comeback.
Nevertheless, a few DSU free throws in the final seconds were enough to outlast VSU.
The Lady Blazers shot 24% to the Lady Statesman 37.5 % in the second half.
Coach Hill claims consistency is lacking from his squad, that prior to Thursday’s loss was 7-0 at home this season.
“With the group we have right now, we just haven’t had it,” Hill said. “And to be able to play at a high level, you have to have conisistency. Once we figure that out, you never know how the chips may fall. “
VSU will attempt to get their first win of the home stand Thursday against Union in the P.E. Complex.
