LIVINGSTON, Ala. –Jeremiah Hill sank 11-of-14 three-point field goals to lead Valdosta State to an 83-65 victory over West Alabama in Gulf South Conference Men's Basketball action at Pruitt Hall Thursday.  All of Hill's points came from beyond the arc as he totaled 33 points, hitting 8-of-14 in the second half.

Valdosta State, who has already clinched a place in the GSC tournament, improves to 16-9 overall and 11-8 in the league. West Alabama's conference tournament hopes are still alive despite falling to 11-15 and 7-13, on a six game losing skid. The Tigers sit tied with Shorter for eighth place, with the top eight teams advancing to the tournament.

The Blazers came out shooting 56 percent (14-of-25) from the field in the first half to take a 41-24 lead at halftime. Hill led with nine points, hitting all three of his 3-point field goal attempts. The team combined for 58 percent (7-of-12) beyond the 3-point line.

The Tigers had built up a five point lead six minutes into the game, but shooting woe's struck as they completed only 9-of-30 total field goals (30 percent) in the half. Acie Vance led UWA at the break with 10 points, making 3-of-8 from the field, including one 3-pointer.

West Alabama's shooting improved in the second half, but could not keep pace as Hill also heated up. Deontaye Ewing came off the bench to score all 17 of his points in the second half, shooting 6-of-11 from the field; 4-of-5 three-point field goals. Vance added 13 points in the half to total 23.

As a team UWA improved to 52 percent from the field (14-of-27) in the second period; 72 percent (8-of-11) from beyond the line.    

Along with Hill, Blake Justice and Justin Simon helped keep VSU ahead, building its largest lead of 27 points in the final three minutes. Justice tallied 14 points, while Simon
finished with 11 points as well as 11 rebounds.

Dakari Mayo and Billy Ingram led the Tiger defense. Mayo posted four blocked shots and Ingram had seven boards. UWA lost the rebounding battled 32-24.

West Alabama men's hoops will remain at home to take on West Florida on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. in Pruitt Hall.