CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Behind a career high from Jamarcus Wilkins, the Lee University men's basketball team won their final game of 2025 87-83 over Valdosta State University on Saturday afternoon. Wilkins was 9-for-12 from the field and led all scorers with 18 points. 
 
In a back and forth affair, neither team led by more than eight points. The lead changed 11 times and there were 14 ties in the contest.
 
After an early led from the Blazers, the Flames settled in and went on a 11-0 run to go up 21-13 with 14 minutes left in the first half and that was the largest lead of the game. After that the two teams traded buckets the rest of the day. VSU largest lead was five points at 58-53. Late in the contest with the game tied at 79-79, Willie Walton hit a three-point shot as the shot clock expired to give Lee the 82-79 lead and the Blazers could not get any closer.
 
There were 40 combined fouls in the contest with each team committing 20. Lee was 17-for-22 from charity while VSU was 18-for-24.
 
After committing 10 turnovers in the first half, Lee only had five in the second half and they had had 21 assists in the game.
 
Besides Wilkins, Dayveun Anderson had 17 points, Willie Walton added 13 and Tylon Chatman had 10.
 
The Flames will return in 2026 with a road game at Trevecca Nazarene University on Sunday, January 4.
 
Coach Bubba Smith's Thoughts:
"A big win and important win right before the break. We got back to .500 in the GSC today. We have been on the other end of some tough games. Tonight, we figured out how to win a close one. It wasn't perfect but we had stops when we needed them. To win against good teams you need players step up and Jamarcus unbelievable today. We executed so well the last few minutes to get the win and a good way to end 2025."