Junior Elgrin Wilson scored a career high 19 points and Lee overcame an unusual seven-point scoring sequence by Valdosta State's Jeremiah Hill in posting a hard-fought 78-75 victory over the Blazers in Walker Arena on Saturday afternoon.
 

Wilson was 4-of-9 from the field but went to the free-throw line 14 times and converted 11 to spark the Flames to their 11th victory of the season against nine defeats. The win also improved the Flames to 6-9 in Gulf South Conference play. Valdosta State dropped to 9-12 overall and 4-11 in GSC.
 

"It definitely was Elgrin's best offensive effort of the year," commented coach Tommy Brown. "It could not have come at a better time with Chase (Cullen) and Chad (Lee) in foul trouble. We cut down on floor mistakes in the second half and that was certainly a key to the victory."
 

The unusual sequence by Hill came late in the first half when the Flames were holding a one-point lead. Hill grabbed a bad pass by the Flames and went streaking the length of the court for a sure layup. The trailing Jervon Johnson grabbed Hill right before he made the layup and Johnson was called for an intentional foul. Hill went to the free-throw line and knocked down two free throws and then the Blazers were awarded the basketball. The inbounds pass promptly went to Hill and he knocked down a 3-point shot to help give Valdosta a 38-32 halftime advantage.
 

The Flames battled back in the nip-and-tuck affair during the second 20 minutes. They quickly went on a 8-0 run to reclaim the lead but still the Blazers would not go away. All totaled, the contest was tied seven times and there were nine lead changes. Lee's biggest lead came with 4:10 remaining in the contest and was able to turn back a late charge to seal the victory.
 

With just over eight seconds remaining, Valdosta State had one opportunity to tie the game. After a quick timeout, Josh Lemons fired up a 3-ball that missed. "It was great to have the crowd behind us in these last two games," pointed out coach Brown. "They stayed with us all the way and I'm sure our guys appreciate the support."
 

While Wilson was scoring 19 points, Cory Billingsley scored all 14 of his points in the second half. He was 6-of-6 from the charity stripe and made a pair of big 3-point goals. Stedmon Ford helped the balanced attack with 10 points and tied Chad Lee for the rebounding lead with eight. Johnson hit three treys for nine points. Chase Cullen and Stephan Burrows pitched in with eight points apiece.
 

The Flames finished with 17 turnovers but forced the Blazers into 18 floor mistakes. Lee shot a solid 44 percent from the field, canned 6-of-14 3s, and marched to the free-throw line 33 times and converted 24. Lee also won the rebounding battle 32-29 and Chad Lee's eight boards put him over the 500 career mark.
 

Hill paced the balanced Valdosta attack with 18 points. Shaun Jones tallied 14, while Colin Cook produced a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. He also had four blocked shots. Josh Lemons pitched in with 11.
 

The Flames will return to action on Thursday, facing another road challenge in Alabama-Huntsville. The road journey continues on Saturday when they move over to Florence, Ala. and test the University of North Alabama.