The Union University men’s basketball team lost 103-102 to Valdosta State University in overtime Saturday at Fred DeLay Gymnasium/David Blackstock Court. Union dropped to 12-10 overall and 11-7 in the Gulf South Conference. Valdosta State improved to 16-9 on the season and 12-7 in league play.
The game featured 17 ties and 20 lead changes as both teams shot lights out all night.
The teams exploded in the first half for a combined 110 points. Valdosta State led 57-53 at the break. Union’s largest lead of the half was four points on several occasions, while VSU’s largest lead of 7 points in the final minute of play was short-lived. Union’s Justin Debuck drained a 3-pointer in the final seconds to cut the halftime deficit to four points. Union shot 64 percent from the field in the first half, including 67 percent (8-12) from 3-point range. VSU was just as hot, shooting 61 percent from the field and 40 percent (6-15) from long range.
The teams cooled off slightly in the second half but still managed a 93-93 score heading to overtime. Union came out of the locker room and controlled the first five minutes of play, turning the deficit into its largest lead of the night at seven points, 69-62 with 15:24 left in regulation. Union led for most of the second half, but could never pull away. VSU regained the lead late. Union was down four with two minutes left, 93-89. Tylandrius Parks hit two free throws, the Union forced a missed shot, and Parks hit a layup late to tie the game and send it to overtime.
In overtime, the lead changed four times and was tied three times. Union led by five, 100-95, but VSU rallied to tie it at 100-100. Union took the lead with 34 seconds left on a layup from Park. After getting a missed shot from VSU with 15 seconds left, Union seemed to be in control for the win. However, a steal from behind by VSU, gave the Blazers a final shot. Jacolby Owens hit a layup and was fouled with 11 seconds lefts. The 3-point play gave VSU the 103-102 lead. Union missed on a couple of attempts in the final seconds.
Union outrebounded VSU 39-36, while the Blazers won the turnover battle committing 11 miscues to 16 for Union.
Union was led by Parks with 33 points, matching his career-high. It was the second time this season Parks went for 33 points. Boe Nguidjol added 23 points and 17 rebounds, while Jalen Johnson scored 18 points. Union shot 52 percent from the field, 42 percent (10-24) from 3-point range, and 71 percent (24-34) from the free throw line.
Valdosta State’s Owens led five Blazers in double figures with 23 points and 10 assists. Caden Boser added 18 points, Jay Rucker scored 17 points, Mohamed Fofana scored 13 points, and Cam Hamilton added 12 points. The Blazers shot 52 percent from the field, 29 percent (9-31) from long range, and 67 percent (14-21) from the foul line.
