VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Trevecca Nazarene University Men's Basketball team (7-4, 2-3 GSC) fell short against Valdosta State (8-2, 3-1 GSC) despite an impressive second-half effort, ultimately falling 84-90.
THE SERIES
This was the first-ever meeting between Trevecca and Valdosta State in men's basketball.
BREAKING IT DOWN
The game began as a tightly contested battle, with both teams exchanging baskets and leads during the opening minutes. Trevecca showed promise early on, at the Trojans held a slim four-point lead at the 12:15 mark. However, this was the turning point in the first half, as Valdosta State completely seized momentum.
The Blazers went on an explosive 24-7 run over the next 6:37. During this dominant stretch, Valdosta State shot 8-15 (53.3%) from the field, including an impressive 4-6 (66.7%) from beyond the arc, and a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line. Defensively, they forced six Trojan turnovers and recorded five steals, capitalizing on every mistake.
Meanwhile, the Trojans struggled mightily during that same span, managing just 2-10 shooting (20%) from the field and missing all six three-point attempts. They also committed six turnovers and failed to register a single steal or block.
By the time the run ended, Valdosta State had built a commanding 33-19 lead, completely flipping the game's momentum.
Throughout the rest of the half, Valdosta State maintained their double-digit advantage carying a comfortable 46-33 lead into halftime.
The second half saw a much-improved effort from the Trojans, who came out of the locker room determined to mount a comeback. Offensively,
Jalen Page took over, scoring in bunches to ignite the Trojans' attack. The team found ways to cut into the Blazers' lead multiple times, bringing it down to single digits on several occasions.
However, with every Trojan run it seemed like Valdosta State consistently answered with a timely three.
With less than a minute remaining, Trevecca made one final push.
Jalen Page's spectacular and-one play with 23 seconds left cut the Blazers' lead to just four points, giving the Trojans a glimmer of hope. However, an unfortunate technical foul on
NaVuan Peterson during the ensuing inbound proved costly. The Blazers converted the free throws and retained possession, effectively putting the game out of reach. Valdosta State held on to secure a 90-84 victory.
KEY PLAYERS
Jalen Page led all scorers with 32 points, adding 12 rebounds and 4 assists.
Mateo Esmeraldo contributed 13 points and 4 rebounds off efficient shooting.
NaVuan Peterson dominated the glass with 16 rebounds and added 7 points.
THE TEAM
Trevecca showed grit in the second half, outscoring Valdosta State 51-44. The Trojans shot 44.7% from the field in the second half compared to just 32.3% in the first. However, turnovers (19 total) and Valdosta's bench scoring (40 points) proved to be the difference in the game.
UP NEXT
The Trojans return to action on Saturday, December 21, traveling to face the University of West Florida (1-8, 0-3 GSC) at 4:00 PM before heading into the Christmas break.
