VALDOSTA, Ga.- The University of West Florida Men's Basketball team fell to the Valdosta Blazers 84-81 in the final seconds of Saturday's contest. UWF is now 15-5 overall and 9-5 in conference.

"Give credit to Valdosta," said Head Coach Jeff Burkhamer.  "They made enough plays to win.  We had a terrific week of practice so it was very disappointing to lose a game that was winnable.  Turnovers, poor shot selection, the inability to guard the ball , and putting them on the foul line 32 times were issues.  We have a huge challenge in front of us because it does not get any easier next week."
 
Valdosta State took an early lead to start the game and led 15-6 at the first media timeout. UWF worked their way back into the game and made it even at 15 apiece with 14 minutes remaining in the first half.
 
The Argos finished the first half shooting 48.4 percent from the field going 15-31 from the field. The Blazers were 12-33 from the field on 36.4 percent shooting. David Petit-Homme and LaTrell Tate led West Florida in scoring with seven points at the half. The Argos made five three-pointers during the first half and outrebounded the Blazers 21-18. At halftime West Florida led 40-37.
 
Both teams came out aggressive in the second half, with Valdosta tying the game and eventually taking the lead. VSU was 17-30 from the field, on 56 percent shooting during the second half. UWF was 15-29 from the field on 51 percent shooting. The Blazers outrebounded the Argos 18-13.
 
In the second half UWF was down by seven and found a way to tie the game at 81 with less than a minute remaining. Valdosta made three free throws at the end of the game to solidify the win. The Blazers were led in scoring by Jalcobey Owens with 18 points, while Cam Hamilton had a team high 10 rebounds.
 
Daniel Sofield finished the night as the Argos leading scorer and rebounder with 20 points and nine rebounds. Not far behind was Tate with a team high three three-pointers and 15 points totals.
 
Overall West Florida 30-60 from the field on 50 percent shooting. Valdosta State was 29-63 on 46 percent shooting. The Blazers narrowly outrebounded the Argos 36-34.
 
Up next the squad will be back in the UWF Field House to face the West Alabama Tigers on Thursday, Feb.3 at 7:30 P.M.
 
How to follow the Argos: For complete information on UWF Men's Basketball follow the team on Instagram @UWFMBB and Twitter @UWFMENSBBALL.