On Thursday, February 12th the men’s and women’s basketball teams took on Valdosta State University.
The Lady Bulldogs came out strong right from the tip off with leading scorer, Amy Philamlee, a senior guard and exercise science major, sinking a three pointer to start the game. The team finished the first half with a lead of 37-31, Philamlee led all scorers with 24 points.
Emily Sissom, a senior special education major and guard for the team, started off the second half with a quick three pointer in the first 30 seconds of the half, to bring the team to a 40-31 lead. However, the Lady Blazers did not let up and hit three consecutive shots to bring the score to 40-37.
By the final buzzer, the Lady Bulldogs finished out the game with a 77-66 win. Philamlee reached her career high for points with 36.
The night was also special for head coach, Mark Campbell as he earned his 500th win for this career.
“We wanted to get that win for him, he is an unbelievable coach,” said Philamlee.
The game was especially physical on both sides of the court, as both teams fought neck and neck until the very end.
“I think we fought the whole game, even through some tough times,” said Amber Rechis, a senior exercise science major and guard for the team.
“Tonight we struggled offensively,” said Philamlee. “We were strong on defense and that’s what led us to win the game.”
The men’s team also came out with a win against Valdosta State.
Both teams had a slow start until the Bulldogs hit two consecutive three pointers from Marterrace Brock, a senior sports management major and guard for the team and Jordan Montgomery, a junior political science major and guard.
With nine minutes left in the first half the Bulldogs had a strong lead of 26-13.
At the half the Bulldogs were up 48-32 with Brock and Pedro Faller, senior business administration major and guard, leading the team with 15 points each.
The Bulldogs maintained a large lead for most of the second half until the last remaining minutes of the game.
The final score of the game was 91-80, Faller was the leading scorer with 19 points and Montgomery followed with 18 points.
“I think we played well but we lost our intensity at the end,” said Ashanti Day, sophomore sports management major and forward for the team.
“We executed very well in the first half with great ball movement and knocking down shots as the opportunity presented itself,” said Montgomery. “We definitely struggled in the second half communicating on defense and finishing plays on both ends of the floor which allowed them to come back.”
The team is optimistic as they go on to play the University of West Florida this Saturday.
“When we give teams only one chance to score, it give us a chance to get out and transition, make plays and be the team that is capable of winning the league,” said Montgomery.
