VSU survives Lee comeback to earn spot in championship game
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Valdosta State Lady Blazers survived a late fourth quarter comeback by the Lee Lady Flames on Saturday afternoon to earn their first trip to the Gulf South Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament Title Game since 2005.
VSU looked to be in control, holding a double-digit lead over Lee for much of the game. With 8:06 remaining, VSU’s Madi Mitchell hit a shot to give the Lady Blazers a 13-point lead, their largest lead of the game. However, the Lady Flames responded quickly, following up with a 13-3 run to pull within three points of VSU.
Lee, with under a minute remaining, had the momentum and pulled within two points, but a Sonya Franklin buzzer-beating jumper with 14 seconds left proved to be too much for the Lady Flames to overcome. Valdosta State went on to a 64-61 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
| GAME SCORING |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Lee (20-10) |
11 |
11 |
15 |
24 |
61 |
| Valdosta State (21-9) |
18 |
11 |
20 |
15 |
64 |
| GAME LEADERS |
LEE |
VSU |
| Points |
Roddy, Bertram, Walsh - 11 |
Franklin - 17 |
| Rebounds |
Brown - 7 |
Dixon - 12 |
| Assists |
Roddy - 4 |
Dixon, Cheatham - 4 |
KEY MOMENTS
- VSU junior forward Sonya Franklin hits a buzzer-beating jumper with 14 seconds remaining to give the Lady Blazers a crucial four-point lead.
NOTABLE
- Kenya Samone’ Dixon was perfect from beyond the arch for VSU, knocking down all four of her three-point shots.
- The Lady Flames outscored VSU 24-15 in the fourth quarter to force a close game at the end.
- VSU will be seeking its first GSC Championship since 1984. The Lady Blazers have a record of 2-4 in the GSC Championship Game.
UP NEXT
Valdosta State will face top seed West Florida in the championship game Sunday afternoon.