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The Blazers come up short in an overtime thriller with the Chargers

Written By Christopher Mercer, Sports Editor

The Blazers’ 10-game win streak was snapped Monday night when they lost in a heartbreaker, 97-95, to the Alabama Huntsville Chargers. 

Despite the loss, the Blazers fought valiantly as the game went back and forth. There were 17 lead changes throughout the game, and the largest lead by either team was only six points. The Blazers shot 43 percent from the court, compared to the Chargers’ 46 percent. 

Forward Drew Mills led the Blazers in scoring with a season-high 27 points to go along with 12 rebounds. Forward Carlos Hart was also a notable contributor, with 17 points and seven rebounds. 

 Meanwhile, it was a tremendous outing for the Chargers for guard Blake Willams, who led all scorers with 30 points in the victory.  

The turning point came in the final moments of overtime. After Hart missed a free throw, the Chargers held on to the ball for the final shot in overtime. The Blazers forced Tommy Murr to shoot a contested layup that he missed. 

 As the Blazers grabbed the rebound, Chargers forward Daniel Saylor stripped it away. Saylor then hit the go-ahead layup with less than a second to go, which would prove to be the game-winner.

With this win, the Chargers secured their 17th win in a row, improved to 18-1 and 13-0 in Gulf South Conference play, and claimed the season sweep of the Blazers.  

Despite the loss, Blazer Head Coach Mike Helfer said the game still showed that the team has come a long way. 

 “This game proved that we belong and this shows Valdosta State can compete with the best teams in the country,” said Helfer.

The Blazers will attempt to get back on the winning trail against the West Florida Argonauts on Saturday, Feb. 1. Meanwhile, the Chargers will return home for a matchup against the Lee University Flames on Saturday, Feb. 1.  

Photo Courtesy of Valdosta State Athletics

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