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VALDOSTA, Ga. – Playing away from Walker Arena for the first this season and without two starters, the Lee women's basketball team were edged by host Valdosta State University, 65-62, Wednesday evening in a Gulf South Conference (GSC) showdown.

Senior Madison Lee missed her third straight game and freshman Emileigh Swafford, who is Lee's leading scorer, did not make the trip to Valdosta due to an illness.

The Lady Flames (5-1, 2-1 GSC) held a 13 point lead with just under 14 minutes remaining in the second half. Valdosta State (6-3, 2-1 GSC) fought back and took the lead with 5 ½ minutes left.

"We let one slip away," admitted Lee head coach Marty Rowe. "Give them (Valdosta) credit. They made some big, tough shots down the stretch. We missed some easy baskets when we had a chance to maintain or extend our lead. We need to learn how to finish inside the paint and we made a few uncharacteristic plays late in the game."

Erin Walsh led all scorers with 22 points with the help of 4-for-6 shooting from behind the arc. The freshman added two rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot to the cause.

Shelby Brown was one rebound shy of a double-double. She pulled down nine boards to go with 17 points and two blocked shots. Christina Johnson was the only other Lady Flame in double-digits with 10. "Shelby was outstanding," noted Rowe. "The effort of our entire team was outstanding. We were just a big shot away from pulling this one out. We missed a couple of bunnies and may have panicked a little and rushed things a little in the final minutes."

Valdosta State received 20 points from April Thomas, 15 points from Imari Simpson and 12 markers from Amy Duke. Simpson also had a team-high eight rebounds. Duke tallied five boards and two blocked shots. Maylisa Johnson added four points and four assists.

Lee held a slight 36-33 rebounding margin over the Lady Blazers. The Lady Flames turned the ball over 12 times and forced Valdosta into 14 mistakes of their own.

"I think we'll be fine on Saturday, but we have to face who I feel is the best team in our conference," said Rowe. "Madison (Lee) will be back (on Saturday) and hopefully Emileigh (Swafford) will be released and be able to join us as well."

The Lady Flames will face West Florida in Pensacola Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.