ROME, Ga. — The Valdosta State Blazers defeat Shorter 78-62 in the Winthrop-King Centre on Monday night. The Hawks move to 3-3 overall (1-1 GSC) and the Blazers move to 4-2 (1-1 GSC).

The first half was a back-and-forth affair with neither team able to extend the lead. Neither team led by more than 6 points the entire 1st half. Valdosta State guard, JC Clausi kept the Blazers in the game by knocking down 2 three pointers and a floater in the lane as time expired to end the half and give VSU 37-33 lead.

Hawks guard, Landon Tillman got the second half going by getting to the basket and finishing at the rim to cut the lead to 2, 37-35. The Blazers came out clicking on all cylinders offensively and were able to push the lead to 58-48 with 7:45 to go in the game. Shorter big man, Krei Kyncy kept the Hawks in the game knocking down 3 three pointers to cut the lead to single digits. In the end, Valdosta offensive attack proved to be too much. VSU shot 63% from the floor in the 2nd half.

Shorter was led in scoring by guard Gary Clay Jr, who finished the game with 15 points. The two big men for the Hawks, Micah Hodges and Krei Kyncy chipped in with 12 and 11 points. Valdosta State was led by JC Clausi with a game high of 18 points.

The Shorter Hawks will travel to Montevallo on Friday, December 2nd for an 8PM EST tip off as their first road contest of the year.