VALDOSTA, Ga. - Jeremiah Hill led the vanguard of the Gulf South Conference's top scoring offense, leading Valdosta State to a 74-53 collegiate men's basketball victory over West Alabama at The Complex on Saturday.

With the win, the Blazers grab their fourth consecutive league victory, improving to 12-3 overall and 7-2 in the GSC. The Tigers fall to 8-7 on a three-game skid, falling to 3-6 in the conference.

"We need to be able to control how our opponents play offensively," UWA head coach Allen Sharpe said. "Valdosta State is in the same league we are. There should't be that big of a difference."

A layup from Gavin Robinson put the Tigers in front early, but a three-pointer from VSU's Beau Justice gave the Blazers a lead they would not relinquish as Hill attacked  the UWA defense for 23 first half points on nine field goals with four treys. 

"We were back-peddling in the first half," Sharpe said. "They came out and punched us in the mouth, and we took it."

VSU out-rebounded UWA 22-10 in the first 20 minutes and converted on 19-of-33 field goals (56 percent), as well as 6-of-12 three-pointers (50 percent). The Tigers hit just 7-of-23 from the field and 1-of-5 from beyond the arc.

The Tigers' GSC-leading defense emerged in the second half, helping to limit the Blazers to 27 second-half points while the UWA offense scored 29. However, it was too little too late as Valdosta State's 23-point halftime lead ultimately paved the way for the 74-53 GSC win.

While Valdosta State led West Alabama in both field goal and three-point percentages throughout the contest, the Tigers owned the free throw line, converting on 21-of-24 tries for 88 percent on the night. 

Robinson picked up his fifth double-double on the season, scoring 20 points on three field goals and 14 free throws, as well as 10 rebounds split between offensive and defensive efforts. 

Jahmal Lane grabbed 11 points, while Sean Cranney finished with seven. Malik Johnson, Billy Ingram and Lane each recorded three boards for the Tiger defense.

Hill finished the night with 28 points, converting 11-of-17 field goals, five of which were good for three points. Saadiq Muhammad scored 10 points and collected 12 rebounds for a double-double. Justice netted eight points with four rebounds, while Damien Young finished with seven points.

The Tigers will face off against Christian Brothers in their return to Pruitt Hall on Thursday. Tipoff against the Buccaneers is set for 7:30 p.m.