VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State (15-10, 6-7) men’s basketball team played host to ninth-ranked Montevallo (23-3, 11-2) at the Complex on Monday. The game was a tough battle for both teams with the Falcons being able to hold off a late VSU surge for the win, 90-80.

“I’m disappointed in us tonight,” said head coach Mike Helfer after the game. “There’s a difference between being passionate and being prepared … we had no answer for them.”

In the first half, the Blazers looked to be in over their heads against a tough Falcon offense. Montevallo connected on four three-pointers in under six minutes to jump out to an early 16-9 lead. Jon Rogers kept the Blazers in the game with two dunks, one of which was an “alley-oop” from Mike Crain.

The Falcons kept scoring, however, and with 12:14 remaining in the half the Blazers found themselves down by 10. For the next six minutes it became a three-point shootout between the teams. Crain, along with Jeremy Bloomfield and Jon Banks, each hit a long-range shot to match Montevallo. But the Falcons’ offense kept connecting and at the half had the lead over VSU, 50-35.

“They have great players on that team, but they have a toughness that makes them so good,” said Helfer.

In the second half, the Blazers decided to make a game of it. J.T Thomas scored five points in the opening minutes and helped VSU go on an 11-6 run to cut the lead to 10. The Falcons answered right back going on a 12-4 run to extend their lead to 18.

With 12:57 the Blazers, and The Complex came alive. Valdosta State went on a 15-6 run and closed the gap to seven points.

After both teams exchanged baskets, the Blazers found themselves down four after a Banks three-pointer with 4:47 left to play. Montevallo, led by center Marcus Kennedy, went on a 8-4 run and permanently held off the VSU charge.

“We climbed up close to the top, and we just got tired and slid all the way back down the hill.”

Crain led the Blazers in scoring with 21 points and went 10-of-10 from the charity stripe. Rogers had another double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Banks contributed with 19 points and Herman Burge had 12 points.

Kennedy led the Falcons in scoring with 22 points. James Hall had 20 points, and Greg Brown scored 18 points.

The Blazers will play their final game of the season against West Florida in Pensacola on Saturday. A win would put VSU into the GSC playoffs next week.

“We just have to play passionate and good basketball. I expect us to give a great effort,” said Helfer. “It’s a chance to play for the post-season.”

Tip-off on Saturday is set for 3:30 p.m.