*** Box Score: PDF | HTML *** VALDOSTA, Ga. – The West Florida women's basketball team found itself facing a 15-point deficit at the half and was unable to overcome the margin, falling to Valdosta State 61-55 at The Complex on Saturday afternoon.
The loss snapped a 7-game win streak for UWF (10-5, 8-3 Gulf South). The Argos committed 20 turnovers in the contest, including 13 in the first half which the Blazers turned into 12 points en route to a 34-19 lead at the break.
Toni Brewer led the Argonauts with 13 points on 6 of 8 shooting, to go along with seven rebounds and two steals.
Kelly Preston had nine points, 11 boards and three blocks, while
Katie O'Neal came off the bench to score 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers and three free throws during the comeback.
UWF wasted little time breaking down the VSU lead. The Argos used a 126-2 run in the middle of the frame to climb to within two before heading to the fourth trailing just 43-39. The Lady Blazers extended their lead to eight points which proved to be just enough. UWF got to within two twice in the final minutes but never closer than four in the last 1:34.
Both teams shot 40 pct from the floor. The Argos made four 3-pointers and was 9 of 17 from the free throw line.
VSU (9-7, 5-6) were led by Aaliyah Cheatham's 18 points. The Lady Blazers played one of their opening halves of ball this season, scoring 34 points with five 3-pointers.
UWF will continue its 3-game road trip on Thursday at North Alabama. The game will tip off at 6:00 p.m. with the men's game to follow at 8:00 p.m.
