VALDOSTA — The Blazers kept their streak going, winning 71-62, but it was not easy. Florida Memorial University (6-7) gave Valdosta State (8-2, 1-0) a run for their money.

“We’re very fortunate to win,” said VSU head coach Mike Helfer after the game. “We weren’t focused. We prepared, but we did not absorb the preparation.”

Jon Rogers was his same old self at the beginning of the game, scoring the Blazers first five points. Lions center Chris McRae answered back and put in the first six points for FMU. Both teams battled back and forth and with 12:34 left in the first half the teams were tied up at 14.

Florida Memorial then took control and went on a 14-6 run that lasted over six minutes. FMU was able to jump out by eight points over VSU. The Blazers were able to stay close, however, and turn the tide one minute later.

With less than five minutes left in the first half Jon Rogers took the pass from Mike Crain and put in the layup. Both teams raced up court and then Rogers took the charge from FMU guard Tramaine Stevens. With VSU in the bonus, Rogers knocked down both free-throws and got the momentum back on the Blazers’ side.

“That was the play of the game for us, it was definitely key,” said Helfer.

The Blazers then went on a 12-3 run and took the lead back from the Lions before the half. Going into the half the Blazers were leading the Lions 37-33.

In the second half, both teams battled tooth and nail to get every point they could. J.T Thomas and Mike Crain both hit two baskets early to keep the lead over FMU. The Lions kept answering back with the help of Stevens and Anthony Kidd.

Through the middle of the second half, the Blazers were able to score two baskets to every one that FMU scored and at one point opened up a 13-point lead over the Lions. Florida Memorial fought back at the end, but with the loss of two players to injury and two players to foul-outs, VSU was able to control the game.

For VSU, Ray Canady had the best game for the Blazers, getting a double-double. Canady pulled down 13 rebounds and scored 13 points. Rogers led the team in scoring with 15, and blocks with five. Crain scored 14 points and went 7-of-10 from the line.

Stevens led the Lions in scoring with 24 points on 9-22 shooting from the field and 2-7 from three point land.

The Blazers will be off for the rest of the year and will return to action next year on January 3 when they host Florida Gulf Coast. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.