Valdosta— The Valdosta State Blazers (1-0) started off their 2009-2010 season with a commanding 122-79 win over the Carver Bible Cougars (0-5) on Monday night at the P.E. Complex.
“ I was impressed by our unselfishness,” said Head Coach Mike Helfer. “Our guys weren’t trying to get their own points and guys came out and played together and they played really hard.”
The Blazers never trailed as they dominated from the very beginning. The Blazers were hot from three point range as they started 6-9 from downtown and were 11 for 19 in the first half. The Blazers held a 63-40 lead at halftime with four players in double figures.
The Blazers spread open their lead in the second half as they outscored the Cougars 59-39 in the second half. The Blazers largest lead of the night came in the second half as they led the Cougars by 45 points. The Blazers shot 59.5 percent on the night and were 17 for 33 from three point range which is the 2nd most three pointers in a single game in school history.
“They just kept giving us wide open looks,” said Helfer. “When you get looks like that your three point shooters just have to take them.”
Ricardo Lewis led the Blazers in three pointers as he went 6-8 from downtown as he racked up 18 points on the night along with six rebounds and five assists. The Blazers were also led by Christian Hunter who had 20 points on the night as he was 5-11 from three point range.
The Blazers outrebounded the Cougars 46-29 on the night which resulted into 20 second chance points for the Blazers. Several Blazer dunks got the crowd pumped as the Blazers managed 25 breakaway points thanks to 18 Cougar turnovers.
Seven Blazers scored in double figures on the night as five players scored from three point range.
“I think that’s just good balance,” said Helfer. “Nobody was out there to get 40 points. We were just balanced.”
The 122 points scored by the Blazers is the 10th most points scored in Division II NCAA basketball history.
In his post game interview Coach Helfer made a special announcement that he wanted to thank the crowd that filled the P.E. Complex on Monday night.
“They had the most energy,” said Helfer. “Were very thankful because that obviously jump starts our guys.”
The Blazers return to action on Friday night when they host Saint Thomas. The game will begin at 8:00 p.m.

Box Score:
1st Half 2nd Half Total
Carver Bible 40 39 79
# 7 Valdosta State 63 59 122
Game Info:
Attendance: 1791
Points in the paint: CB 28 , VSU 48
Points off turnovers: CB 8, VSU 26
2nd chance points: CB 15, VSU 20
Fast break points: CB 5, VSU 25
Bench points: CB 11, VSU 58
Lead changes: 0 Ties:1
Largest leads: VSU by 45 2nd-0:53